Brigitte Tchede has become Benin’s standout performer at the 12th African University Games in Cairo, securing the country’s first two medals of the competition. The international athlete claimed silver in the discus throw and added another podium finish in a second discipline, delivering an early boost for the Beninese delegation.
Benin’s medal breakthrough in Cairo
The Egyptian capital is hosting the 12th edition of the African University Games from 8 to 16 September 2026. Student-athletes from across the continent are competing in multiple sports, and for Benin, the event is a key opportunity to showcase emerging talent and track the progress of athletes already competing at international level.
Tchede, a native of Porto-Novo, made an immediate impact. She won Benin’s first two medals of the 2026 edition—a silver in the discus and another podium finish in a different event.
A personal best in the discus throw
The first medal came on Sunday, 13 September. Competing in the women’s discus, Tchede took second place with a throw of 47.08 metres.
Beyond the silver medal, the performance marked a new personal best for the Beninese athlete. She improved significantly on her previous mark of 44.37 metres, set at the African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, in May.
In just a few months, Tchede has added 2.71 metres to her personal record. That jump reflects her dedication and her ability to raise her game at a major continental meet.
The Cairo result comes at an important stage in her career. Already known in Benin for her international performances, Tchede continues to develop against strong African competition.
Her new personal best represents a clear step forward. In the discus, where margins are often measured in centimetres, gaining several metres is a significant indicator of progress.
A second medal in another discipline
Tchede’s success in Cairo was not limited to the discus. The Beninese international also reached the podium in a second event, giving Benin a second medal at the Games.
The double podium is one of the highlights of Benin’s participation in Cairo. Winning medals in two different disciplines underlines her versatility and her ability to perform across multiple events.
For the Beninese delegation, the results also carry symbolic weight. In a competition bringing together representatives from many African universities, opening the medal count with two podium finishes from the same athlete sends an encouraging signal.
Tchede has become one of the leading figures of Benin’s delegation at this 12th edition. Her results also raise the profile of university sport, an important framework for identifying and supporting young talent across the continent.
Porto-Novo, Accra, Cairo: a progression confirmed
Tchede’s recent trajectory illustrates her development. Her previous record of 44.37 metres was set a few months earlier in Accra at the African Athletics Championships. In Cairo, she pushed that mark to 47.08 metres.
That progression should not be seen as an endpoint. With the African University Games drawing to a close, her performance in Egypt can serve as another step in her athletic development.
For Benin, the value also lies in continuity. The improvement between the African Championships and the University Games shows that consistent work can help Beninese athletes close the gap on the continent’s best performances.
Tchede’s journey highlights the importance of international competitions in building a career. Each event brings experience, exposure to different opposition and, when conditions allow, improved personal references.
Benin rewarded before the closing ceremony
The 2026 African University Games are set to end on 16 September in Cairo. With two medals from Tchede, Benin already has a notable haul at this edition.
The discus silver will be remembered alongside her new personal best. With 47.08 metres, Tchede not only delivered Benin’s first medal of the competition but also improved a mark she had set just months earlier in Accra.
Her second medal completes the tally and confirms her central role in the Beninese delegation.
As the Games draw to a close, Tchede’s performances give Benin a double satisfaction: leaving Cairo with medals and seeing one of its representatives reach a new personal milestone.
For the young athlete from Porto-Novo, the Egyptian meet may be remembered as a fresh start. Her 47.08-metre record is now the new benchmark to beat. And for Beninese sport, these two podium finishes are a reminder that university competitions can serve as a springboard for talents destined to represent the country on the biggest international stages.
