Kadra Mohamed Dembil, a Djiboutian athlete, has made history by winning the women's semi-marathon at the Lion 2026 competition held in Montbéliard, France. She achieved an exceptional time of 1 hour 12 minutes and 23 seconds, beating her international competitors. This victory marks a significant milestone for Djibouti's women's athletics, showcasing the country's growing talent in the sport. Dembil's achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

The competition saw Dembil face stiff competition from athletes such as Tuyambaze Tabitha of Rwanda, who finished second with a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 13 seconds, and Ophélie Boxberger of France, who finished third with a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 52 seconds. Dembil's win demonstrates her exceptional skill and endurance, solidifying her position as a top athlete in the region. Her achievement has sparked widespread celebration in Djibouti.

This victory is part of a larger trend of success for Djibouti's women's athletics. Athletes such as Souhra Ali Mohamed and Samiya Hassan Nour have previously made their mark on the international stage, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Dembil's win continues this legacy, demonstrating the country's commitment to developing women's sports. The Djiboutian government's support for athletics has played a crucial role in this success.

Fatouma Ali Abdallah, Secretary of State for Sports, has congratulated Dembil on her historic achievement. Abdallah praised Dembil's hard work and discipline, stating that her performance is an inspiration to the country's youth, particularly young girls. The Secretary of State also acknowledged the role of Dembil's technical staff and the Djiboutian Athletics Federation in supporting her development as an athlete.

The Djiboutian government's support for athletics is evident in its commitment to providing resources and infrastructure for athletes. The country's sports ministry has implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting athletics and identifying talented young athletes. This support has contributed significantly to the country's growing success in the sport.

Dembil's achievement has sparked widespread celebration in Djibouti, with many citizens taking to social media to congratulate her on her win. Her success has inspired a new generation of athletes, who look up to her as a role model. As Djibouti continues to develop its athletics program, it is likely that the country will see even more success in the future.

The Lion 2026 competition was held in Montbéliard, France, and featured athletes from various countries. Dembil's win is a testament to the country's growing reputation as a hub for athletics in the region. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that athletics will continue to play a significant role in Djibouti's sporting landscape.

Key points

  • Kadra Dembil wins women's semi-marathon at Lion 2026 with a record time of 1h 12min 23s.
  • Dembil's win marks a significant milestone for Djibouti's women's athletics.
  • The Djiboutian government has pledged to continue supporting athletes in their quest for excellence.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.