The director of the African athletics center in Dakar, Amadou Dia Ba welcomed the new consecration achieved by Louis François Mendy. After having validated his qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games since July, the 110-meter hurdles specialist won the gold medal at the African championships taking place in Douala by flying over his final in 13’ 48”. That is more than the time of 13′ 61” achieved last March 19 during the African Games in Accra.
“It is a consecration and a feeling of duty accomplished for Louis François Mendy. He worked over time. Two years ago, he missed the African Championships due to lack of experience. But this year, he won the African Games in Accra. Now, after winning the African championship, it’s maturity. We must congratulate his coach who is at the African athletics center in Dakar,” he confided. The only Senegalese Olympic medalist showed his confidence in the abilities of the 110 hurdles specialist to perform on the tracks of the French capital. “Today he has one goal. He has worked well and he has the ability to win a medal at the Paris Olympics. If he makes it to the final, anything can happen. He has what he needs. He has a few weeks to prepare and compete. We must now pray and let him enjoy his title of African champion,” he added. Considered one of the standard bearers of Senegalese athletics and great hopes of a medal at the Paris Olympics, Louis François Mendy is currently enjoying his coronation. “The goal was to be African champion. Then we’ll see about the Olympics. This gives you confidence before starting the Paris Olympics. It was a bit difficult because I raced with injuries at the start of the season. I dreamed and worked for 8 years to be African champion. I am happy with myself and my team,” reacted the Senegalese athlete.
OMAR DIAW
