Yomi Omogbeja (24/08/2004)

Cameroon's Francoise Mbango Etone has set a new African record at the ongoing Olympic games in Athens.

Mbango Etone leapt 15.30 metres in the second round to condemn home favourite Hrysopiyi Devetzi to the second position in the women's triple jump.

After an initial faulty start, Mbango finally put it together despite the ferocious home support for her Greek challenger, Devetzi, who had earlier posted 15.33 metres in the qualifying round.

It was to be the zenith of the day as neither her other jumps nor those of her challengers could pull down this mark.

Russia's world champion Tatyana Lebedeva took the bronze medal after jumping 15.14m with her final effort.

Sudan's Yamile Aldama could only finish with 14.99 metres to place fifth in the 15-women field.

The 28-year-old Cameroonian said: "This is something I have been dreaming of and it's been the most important thing this year for me.

"I have only been focusing on getting a medal here, that is why my previous results have not been that good.

"I am very proud to get the medal and the African record."

see also:

Mbango laments official neglect