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Kikaya gives Congo historic gold

Yomi Omogbeja (11/08/2006)

Congo's star quartermiler Gary Kikaya has transformed his form on the IAAF World Athletics tour to win the men's 400m in Mauritius. 

Kikaya, the fastest African this season, became the first athlete from the Democratic Republic of Congo to win a medal at the Africa Championships when he won the 400m in 45.03 seconds. 

The University of Tennessee alumni has the fifth-fastest time in the world this year in the 400m and is ranked fifth in the world by the IAAF.

The 28-year-old holds four Congolese national records, topping the country's list in the indoor and outdoor 200m and 400m. He also tied his own national record, finishing the 400m in 44.53 seconds on his way to a second-place finish at the IAAF Super GP in Stockholm on July 25th.

South African Paul Gorris took the silver medal in 45.50 seconds and Zimbabwean Young Talkmore Nyongani settled for the bronze medal in 45.60 seconds.  

Kikaya said: "I did this for the people of Congo. They have supported me all along.

"My hope is this will encourage the youth to take advantage of the unfolding peace in our country to take up athletics."

AthleticsAfrica.Com will bring you indepth and extensive coverage from our reporters in Mauritius.

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