Thirteen-year-old Akim Kanazoe from Burkina Faso won the junior category of the 9th Saaba Motocross.
"I feel joy; the training has paid off," the young motocross rider, who started riding at the age of 5, told Sputnik Africa. "It's a sport that demands a lot of physical condition and a lot of training [but also involves] a lot of injuries."
However, concerning the risks involved at such a young age, the athlete assures that "this sport has no age."
"It's true that it's dangerous, but with a little caution, you can manage," Kanazoe assured.
After this victory, the young athlete now wants to win the African championship, then try to win the European championship, and finally aim for the world championship.
The champion also gave some advice to young people his age who are passionate about motorcycling:
"First of all, be careful; always wear a helmet. And most importantly, train. Have good physical condition," he warned.
African athletes are gaining leading positions at international championships held around the world. Just recently, Kenyan runner Sammy Korir emerged victorious in the second BRICS League marathon held in St. Petersburg, Russia, clocking in at 2:15:33.
Similarly impressive, 19-year-old Emmanuel Wanyonyi triumphed in the 800 meters at the 2024 Athletics Kenya Olympic Trials in Nairobi, Kenya, in mid-June. With a remarkable time of 1 minute and 41.70 seconds, Wanyonyi now ranks as the third-fastest 800-meter runner ever, according to Athletics Kenya.