Burkina Faso at the Olympics
Burkina Faso first participated in the Olympic Games in 1972, but under their former name Upper Volta.
Prior to 1972, other athletes from that region took part in the Olympics. There were a couple of athletes at the 1924 Games who were nationals of what was then called French Upper Volta (later to become Upper Volta), competing as part of the French contingent. The two athletes, Taka Gangua and Taki N'Dio competed in the men's javelin throw.
In 1972, the runner André Bicaba represented Upper Volta in the 100 meters but unfortunately was not able to advance. At the 1976 Olympics, Upper Volta were intending to participate, though eventually they boycotted the event joining many other African nations.
Because of some unrest in their region, Burkina Faso did not participate again until the games in 1988 held in Seoul, Korea, and has has never missed the Summer Games since.
In their tenth Summer Games appearance, Burkina Faso won their first Olympic medal. Hugues Fabrice Zango won bronze in men's triple jump.
As with most African countries, Burkina Faso has never been seen in the Winter Games.
Related Pages
- List of all countries that have participated at the Olympic Games.
- About sport in Burkina Faso
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