FIRST AFRICAN STEPS/ BEIJING 2008: Françoise Mbango’s fabulous double

Copyright : Panoramic

By winning for the second time in four years, Cameroon’s Françoise Mbango Etone undoubtedly recorded the best African performance at the Beijing Olympics. It was equally the first time that an African athlete was retaining her title won during the previous edition. Meanwhile four months before the Chinese victory, Mbango had been written off by everyone. Even the media as well as sports authorities of her country. Cameroon had put its hopes on the Indomitable Lions for the Olympics until the long jump queen emerged. It seemed she was far from her 2004 exploits, reason why journalist and her country’s officials did not rely on her. However, this media indifference and the ungratefulness of the authorities did not in any way discourage the true Lioness of Cameroon. Beijing, August 23, 2008. It is about 22h30 when Françoise Mbango Etone stepped forward to jump for the second time. She was no longer ahead in the race. Ukraine’s Lebedeva was leading thanks to her 15, 23 m. Was the Cameroonian discouraged? Not really. In an illuminated «bird’s nest», the public kept its calm. Thirty seconds later the silence was transformed into a boisterous atmosphere and an applauding scenario. The stadium is mad with joy. They did not even wait for the official result to be placed on the electronic board. The public is already aware that the Cameroonian had the best jump. When the electronic board read 15, 39 m, everyone understood that the competition was over. Mbango has just waved aside her opponents. She recorded the second best performance of all time. Lebedeva could not catch up with her. By retaining her title won in 2004 in Athens, Françoise had just become a legend in the world of athletics. The long and hilarious ovation of the Chinese public was sign recognition for her achievement. Françoise Mbango Etone is undoubtedly an exceptional lady and athlete. PROFILE Françoise Mbango Etone Born on the 14 April 1976 inYaounde, Cameroon Specialty: Tripple jump Record : 15, 39 m. Achievements Olympic Championin 2004 and 2008 Vice world championin 2001 and 2003