Paris 2024 Olympics: Five things to know Cyréna Samba-Mayela, silver medalist in the 100 meters hurdles

Cyrena Samba-Mayela lors des championnats d’Europe. dpa – Oliver Weiken

La découverte tardive de l’athlétisme, coaché par Teddy Tamgho ou sa nouvelle vie aux États-Unis… Découvrez cinq choses à savoir sur Cyréna Samba-Mayela, médaillée d'argent ce samedi sur le 100 mètres haies.

Aged 23, hurdler Cyréna Samba-Mayela is in the running this Friday, August 2.

1 – A former skater, she waited until she was 15 to get into athletics

Born in Champigny-sur-Marne, the athlete grew up with six brothers and sisters. She tried her hand at several sports such as judo, basketball, and figure skating. She therefore waited until she was 15 to start practicing athletics with the support of her parents. “It was Albertine Koutouan (her first coach) who gave me this love of hurdles”, she told Ouest-France.

2 – Coached by Teddy Tamgho and Ladji Doucouré

After a few injuries, Cyréna Samba-Mayela was taken under the wing of triple jump world champion Teddy Tamgho in 2019. She was also coached by Ladji Doucouré, 110m hurdles world champion in 2005.

4 – … precipitated a departure for the United States

To reach a new level, Cyréna Samba-Mayela decides to cross the Atlantic. In the fall of 2023, she therefore separates from Teddy Tamgho to join the United States and Orlando. There she joins the group of coach John Coghlan including the Puerto Rican Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, reigning Olympic champion in the 100m hurdles.

5 – European Champion Just Before the Games

The Frenchwoman won her first major international title on June. At the European Athletics Championships, Cyréna Samba Mayela won in 12’31, setting a new French record in the process.