ACCRA, February 13, 2025 - As one of Africa's accomplished athletes in recent times, Hugues Fabrice Zango's career is a testament to passion, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. With a career boasting monumental victories, Zango will retire from competitive athletics in 2025, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the world of sports.

The Journey That Reached New Heights

Zango's rise in athletics is a tale of inspiration. Born in 1993 in Ouagadougou, the capital West Africa’s Burkina Faso, a country where athletics often takes a backseat, his formative years were marked by several challenges. Despite excelling academically, he discovered a love for triple jump at 17. His ability to balance education and sport has been the hallmark of his journey.

"Before anything, I was a student," he explains. "I was good in school, and my parents believed in education. But I also knew that sport could open doors if I worked hard enough," Zango states.

His breakthrough came in 2019 when he shattered the African triple jump record and clinched a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making history as the first Burkinabe to win an Olympic medal.
 

A Career Defined by Challenges

Zango's success on the global stage has been extraordinary, but his career has never been short of obstacles. In his native Burkina Faso, athletics is often neglected and he had to deal with inadequate resources and infrastructure.

Despite the challenges, he remained determined. "I was told by many that there was no future in athletics, that it was football or nothing. But I refused to believe that," he shares.

His resolve paid off. His 18.07-meter jump in 2021 made him the world indoor record holder in triple jump, solidifying his place amongst the elite of the sport. At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, he capped his career by winning gold to cement his place in the history of triple jump. However, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the reigning world indoor and outdoor champion finished fifth with 17.50m – the best ever mark for fifth place in any competition.

Retirement: A Reflective and Strategic Leap

As he prepares to retire after the 2025 season, it's clear that his decision does not signify an ending, but an evolution. "Retirement is not just about leaving the track. It's about preparing for the next phase of my life," he explains.

Zango's career has brought him accolades and propelled him to a powerful advocate for his country and young athletes. His decision to retire in 2025 is a reflection of his desire to transition into the role of a mentor, coach and an advocate for change.

Shaping the Future of Burkinabé Athletics

A PhD holder in Electrical Engineering from University of Artois, retirement means a return to his roots: advocating for better infrastructure, scholarships, and resources for athletes in Burkina Faso.

"It's not just about what I've achieved in athletics; it's about building something sustainable for those who will come after me," he says.

His efforts have already started to bear fruit. Since 2019, thanks to his advocacy, the Ministry of Sports in Burkina Faso has offered scholarships to young athletes, and private sponsorships are beginning to flow into the sports sector.

As Zango plans his transition to post-athletics life, he remains committed to his education, reinforcing his belief that education and athletics are intertwined.

A Lasting Legacy

When he steps away from the track in 2025, Zango's legacy will be much more than a collection of gold medals, world records, and Olympic podium finishes. His influence will be felt in the lives of the young athletes he inspired, the sports systems he helped shape, and the countless children who will benefit from his work with UNICEF and his foundation.

Zango's story is a powerful reminder that greatness is not just about accolades but about the lasting impact we leave on others. As he takes his final leap in competitive athletics, it's clear that his journey is far from over. His legacy will continue long after the final leap.