Biography
Started: She took up Para athletics in 1998 while she was at school. (Athlete, 23 Oct 2015)
Reason: She liked sports and the feeling of victory. She first tried handball and basketball but had to stop because of her vision impairment [albinism]. A teacher then invited her to try Para athletics. (Facebook page, 20 Jul 2018)
Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (Instagram profile, 27 Feb 2024)
Awards: She and triathlon competitor Alexis Hanquinquant were named flag bearers for France at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (olympics.com, 12 Jul 2024)
In 2016 she was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour by the French president. (cpsf.france-paralympique.fr, 01 Dec 2016)
Additional Info: PARIS 2024 ROLE
She has served on the board of directors of the organising committee for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. (LinkedIn profile, 08 Aug 2021; rfi.fr, 02 Mar 2018)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
She has served as president of her father's charity, The Salif Keita Global Foundation. The organisation aims to help people in Africa with albinism to overcome the difficulties that they face. "My father has always been an example for me. And for several reasons. First, because he is an ambassador and I have always seen him work for this cause. But also because he has always told me that in life, it is important to get involved in causes that are close to our hearts. Especially when we ourselves have been lucky in life. It was also important for me to get involved in a cause that I found just and above all, to tell myself that I had the opportunity to make a difference." (afroziky.com, 02 Feb 2014; lehubsante.com, 26 Nov 2015; elle.fr, 26 Jun 2021)
FROM MALI TO FRANCE
Born in Bamako, Mali, her father took her to France when she was age two. (Facebook page, 20 May 2017)
OCCUPATION
She works in the quality of life at work department at a human resources company in France. (LinkedIn profile, 26 Feb 2024; francetvinfo.fr, 08 Oct 2023)
Sporting Relatives: Her father Salif Keita is a Malian musician and a descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita. (afroziky.com, 02 Feb 2014; assatashakur.org, 30 Oct 2007)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderFemale
Birth DateNovember 5, 1984
Place of ResidencePARIS
OccupationAthlete, Human Resources
EducationEducation - Paris Nanterre University, France
Languages SpokenFrench
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 1 | 400m - T13 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | 55.78 |
| 2 | Women's 200m T13 | 2008 | Beijing, CHN | 25.51 |
| 3 | 100m - T13 | 2012 | London, GBR | 12.47 |
| 3 | 400m - T13 | 2008 | Beijing, CHN | 56.28 |
| 4 | 400m - T13 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | 57.17 |
| 4 | 400m - T13 | 2012 | London, GBR | 57.64 |
| 4 | 100m - T13 | 2008 | Beijing, CHN | 12.57 |
| 4 | Long Jump - T13 | 2008 | Beijing, CHN | 5.49 |
| 5 | 100m - T13 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | 12.36 |
| World Championships | ||||
| 1 | 400m - T13 | 2015 | Doha, QAT | 56.63 |
| 1 | Women's 200m T13 | 2006 | Assen, NED | 25.93 |
| 1 | 400m - T13 | 2006 | Assen, NED | 58.78 |
| 2 | 100m - T13 | 2015 | Doha, QAT | 12.53 |
| 2 | 100m - T13 | 2006 | Assen, NED | 12.56 |
| 2 | 400m - T13 | 2002 | Lille, FRA | 1:02.29 |
| 3 | 100m - T13 | 2011 | Christchurch, NZL | 12.87 |
| 4 | 400m - T13 | 2023 | Paris, FRA | 57.94 |
| 4 | 400m - T13 | 2011 | Christchurch, NZL | 58.00 |
| 5 | Women's 200m T13 | 2023 | Paris, FRA | 26.45 |
| 5 | Women's 200m T13 | 2011 | Christchurch, NZL | 26.03 |
| 5 | 100m - T13 | 2002 | Lille, FRA | 13.18 |
| 5 | Long Jump - T13 | 2002 | Lille, FRA | 4.93 |
| 6 | Long Jump - T13 | 2006 | Assen, NED | 5.13 |
