Cameroon set the track on fire in Riyadh

…Silver in the women’s 100m and a dominant 200m gold-bronze finish

By Maxwell Kumoye

Cameroon didn’t just show up at the ISSA Riyadh 2025 Games, they took over the track.

The women’s 100m final delivered pure electricity as Kolle Etame Herverge Tonjock blasted her way to a historic silver medal, announcing Cameroon’s return to sprint relevance with authority.

Bahrain’s Edidiong Odiong powered to gold, while Guyana’s Keliza Ashley Smith held on for bronze but Tonjock’s fearless run was the story that stole African hearts.

Her explosive start, relentless drive, and refusal to fade made her silver feel like a national triumph. The Cameroonian flag flew high. The cheers followed. A new sprint heroine was born.

But if Tonjock lit the flame, the men’s 200m final turned the entire arena green, red, and yellow.

Cameroon delivered a masterclass as Eseme Emmanuel Alobwede stormed to gold, tearing down the bend and thundering home with a champion’s authority that left the crowd stunned. Riyadh’s own Abdulaziz Atafi tried to chase him down but had to settle for silver.

Then Cameroon slammed the door shut on the podium.

Itoungue Bongogne Emmanuel Claude powered through for bronze, sealing a double-medal sweep for the country in one of the Games’ premier events.

Two medals in the 200m.

A silver in the 100m.

And a message to the entire continent: Cameroon sprinting is BACK, and it’s terrifying.

From the women’s straight-line blast to the men’s curve-crushing domination, Cameroon owned the night in Riyadh. Confidence is rising. Momentum is real. And the Lions are roaring louder than ever.

Riyadh 2025 belonged to Team Cameroon. And the world just felt it.