Burkina Faso: Bady ZAN, Powerlifting World Champion, Shares His Journey
A Historic Triumph in Russia
Bady ZAN, nicknamed “the Caterpillar” , made powerlifting history by winning two gold medals and one silver at the World Championship in Moscow in November 2024. These exploits, in the Hip Raise (DIPS) and Bench Press events , as well as in Biceps Contraction (BICEPS CURL) , made him a double world champion and vice-world champion.
In an interview with Sport News Africa , Bady ZAN looks back on his career, his discipline, and his ambitions for the future.
How it all began
According to Bady ZAN, powerlifting is an accessible sport, provided you are passionate about it.
“Like any sport, you just have to love the discipline. With time, training and the right diet, you can develop the necessary muscles. It’s a gradual process, like studying, that requires patience and commitment.”
Key Powerlifting Movements
Bady ZAN explains that powerlifting is based on three fundamental movements:
- The Bench Press : A strength exercise that involves lowering a loaded barbell to chest level and then pushing it back up.
- The Squat : a squatting movement targeting the muscles of the thighs, glutes, and also working the calves, lower back and abdominals.
- The Deadlift : A complete exercise that strengthens the muscles of the back, glutes, and hamstrings.
The World Championship in Moscow
Bady ZAN recounts his impressions in Russia:
“Seeing the world gathered, I told myself that I would do here what I know how to do at home. The cold surprised me, but thanks to arriving a week before the competition, I was able to adapt. To my great surprise, I won.”
The State of Powerlifting in Burkina Faso
The discipline remains poorly structured in Burkina Faso, but Bady ZAN and his peers are working to develop it.
“We are doing it ourselves and looking for individual support. It is essential that partners are interested in all sports, not just the dominant disciplines.”
Ambitions and Projects
Bady ZAN aspires to the creation of a national powerlifting federation to better organize the next generation and structure the discipline. In 2025, he plans to participate in new competitions with the same objectives of success.
A memorable meeting
On his return, Bady ZAN had the honour of meeting the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré .
“He loves sport and trusts us. We are convinced that positive things will change.”
Conclusion
Bady ZAN embodies excellence and perseverance. His journey from self-taught champion to model of resilience symbolizes the ambition of a Burkina Faso ready to shine on the international stage. His determination inspires a generation of Burkinabe athletes to follow in his footsteps and build a promising future for powerlifting .
