Benin: Romuald Wadagni’s gesture deeply moves Noélie Yarigo

Beyond the sporting feat and the gold medal won over 800 meters in the W40 category at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, it was a particularly intimate and moving moment that marked Noélie Yarigo’s title.

Moments after her victory on Monday, August 24, 2026, the Beninese champion was surprised by a direct phone call from the head of state, Romuald Wadagni.

As she was still celebrating her title on the South Korean track, the athlete’s phone rang so the president could offer his personal congratulations. It was an unexpected gesture that deeply touched the middle-distance specialist, who was praised for the perseverance, discipline and longevity of an exemplary career at the highest international level.

Overwhelmed with emotion by this attention from the country’s highest authorities, the champion did not hide her positive shock or her gratitude for the spontaneous tribute.

For Noélie Yarigo, this sign of recognition goes beyond the individual level: it reflects the appreciation of an entire nation for an athlete who continues to carry the national flag with pride.

“Thank you, Mr President. Thank you for these words, for this attention and for this immense sign of recognition,” the Beninese runner said.

She closed the memorable exchange with a moving line that sums up her emotion: “Today, I am a world champion. But above all, I am a very proud Beninese woman.”