South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia concluded the 16th African Athletics Championships (AAC) standing 1st to 3rd respectively. The first two countries got 22 and 19 medals respectively followed by Ethiopia, which secured 15.

Kenya got 16 medals.

Briefing journalists on the results of the championships, Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum disclosed that 731 athletes drawn from 43 African countries took part in the 16th championships.

Only 456 athletes participated in previous championships in Bambou, Mauritius, he said.

Star athletes Kenenisa Bekele, Tirunsh Debaba, Mesert Defar of Ethiopia, Fasuba of Nigeria, Maria Mutola of Mozabique and David Rudisha of Kenya, among others, took part in the 16th Championships.

Kalkaba said the 16th Championships is the best ever in Africa in terms of attendance, technical organization, and media coverage.

“The 16th Championships witnessed, among other things, operational stadium, good lodging facilities, exceptional popularity, no claim relating to results, and adequate media coverage,” Kalkaba said.

World-level performances and new championships records were registered in, among others, in 400 meter women, 800 meter men, 100 meter men, 1500 meter women, Triple jump men’s, Hammer throw men’s, 10,000 meter women’s competitions, Kalkaba indicated.

Organizing Committee President of 16th Championships, Hailemariam Dessalegn said the government has provided all-rounded support to the success of the 16th AAC.

“The main objective of hosting the championships is to show the positive image of Ethiopia. “This is successfully accomplished since the championships were broadcasted in 72 countries worldwide,” he said.

Youth and Sports State Minster Abdissa Yadeta on the occasion expressed gratitude to the public, media, and the business community for their contributions toward the successful completion of the 16th AAC.

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