Paris, France - The conspicuous absence of Francoise Mbango, the 2004 Olympic Games women’s Triple Jump champion, at last year’s World Championship in Helsinki (Finland) caused many people to wonder about the career status of the Cameroonian born champion.

It should be recalled that Mbango’s last appearance was on 19 August 2005 at the Zurich IAAF Golden league where she finished 6th after a 14.07 metres season best jump. 

In a telephone interview last week (3 Nov) Mbango, the World Championship silver medallist in 2001 and 2003 (indoors and out) confirmed: “I decided to take a rest for a while and I have never said that I am retiring”, and aims to defend her Olympic title in Beijing, China in 2008.

The 30-year-old Cameroonian has become mother, and is blessed with a baby boy now aged 5 months named Asma-Neils. He was named after Niels Marquardt, the US ambassador to Cameroon who worked hard to help her settle in New York.

Mbango is now studying English in Saint-John University where she is expected to spend two years, and she obtained the necessary certificate at the end of the first year. After the birth of her son, Francoise Mbango spent a few days in her native country before proceeding to Paris where she will be staying for sometime.

In an interview with the daily newspaper Cameroon-Tribune, the young mother confirmed why she did not take part in the 2005 World Championships: “It is for personal reasons that I did not go to Helsinki. If granted an opportunity, I would have explained why…” at the time she said.

Throughout her maternity leave, she set aside her status as an elite athlete to dedicate her time to her family.

“I ignored what people could say about me. My entire life was devoted to my baby; all my prayers and energy were focused on him…”

Now that Asma-Niels is born and is kicking the Triple Jumping career is being restarted.

“I have started training gradually while taking care of my child.”

Mbango is doing fine, and she is taking her time to get back to the top level.

“When time comes, I shall be back to the track and field and everybody will be informed!” she added, and she will remain with her long time manager Jos Hermens.

In her quest to return to the top level competition, Cameroon’s first ever global gold medallist in athletics is assured of not only the tremendous support of her family, but also the financial support of two national companies, namely Aes Sonel and Camship that will sponsor her until 2008.

“… I will be back with the firm resolve to go beyond what I have achieved so far… I know this will require hard work… 2007 and 2008 will witness the World Championships in Osaka (Japan) and Olympic Games in Beijing (China) respectively, these are my main targets….”

“I am looking forward to go beyond my limits to make better achievements than in the past!”

This is a firm statement of commitment on the part of someone who is considered a role model for the youth by the Cameroonian Head of State.

We look forward to the restart of business next year!

Louisette-Renee Thobi for the IAAF