Morocco were among the dominant nations as medals were handed out in athletics at the Kinshasa 2023 Francophone Games.
All three of their gold medals came in women’s events, including a clean sweep of the 1500 metres podium thanks to Wafaa Zaroual, Soukaina Hajji and Rababe Arafi.
Zaroual finished the race in 4min 44.55sec to claim 1500m gold, followed by Hajji in 4:44.98.
Olympian and 2012 African champion Arafi grabbed the final spot on the podium clocking 4:45.42.
Moroccans dominated the women’s 10,000m with Soukaina Atanane claiming gold in 33:01.25 while compatriot Kaoutar Farkoussi secured silver in 33:11.67.
However, Samiyah Hassan Nour of Djibouti, who finished third, prevented another top three for the North African nation as she clocked 33:21.50 for bronze.
The third athletics gold medal of the day for Morocco was won by Sara El Hachimi, who crossed the line in 52.62.
Burkina Faso had Sita Sibiri to thank as she took the second spot in 53.13 followed by Samira Awali Boubacar of Niger claiming bronze in 53.13.
Ivor Coast claimed the 100m title among women as Maboundou Kone posted a time of 11.24.
Her compatriot Jessika Lauren was 0.14 behind in silver while Congolese Natacha Ngoye Akamabi won bronze in 11.44.
Among men, Cameroon followed Morocco in claiming all three medals in the long jump event.
It was a tight contest that saw Appolinaire Yinra clinch gold with a leap of 7.99 metres.
Behind him was countryman Kevyn Freddy Oyono who was short by 0.15m with bronze going to Raymondo Nkwemy Tchomfa in 7.83.
Cameroon had more reason to celebrate as Emmanuel Alobwere took the 100m gold in 10.04.
Senegalese Mamadou Fall Sarr was the silver medallist in 10.17 as Arthur Gue Cisse completed the final podium spot with a timing of 10.24.
Senegal and Romania won the men’s 400m and discus throw gold medals, respectively.
Tidiane Cheikh Diouf secured the 400m title in 45.78 as Romanian Alexandru Alin Firfirica, with a throw of 64.39m, stood on top of the discus throw podium.
Medals were also handed out in Para athletics with Julie Anndora of Mauritius women’s T11-12 100m gold medal with a timing of 13.45.
Republic of Congo native Guerlin Moukari struck silver after clocking 16.26 whie Democratic Republic of Congo athlete Rachel Mwamini got bronze in 18.34.
The T13 100m women’s final was won by Rahinatou Mone, who finished in 14.04.
Niger won the other two medals thanks to Saadatou Mahamadou an Zeinabour Alimoutari, who registered times of 16.04 and 16.38 for silver and bronze, respectively.
Competition is expected to continue tomorrow with more medal events in athletics and Para athletics.
From Vimal Sankar (insidethegames)