Ivorian Sprinter Bosson Greccy Hillary Aims for Youth Olympic Gold in Dakar 2026

Early Inspiration and Goal Setting

Bosson Greccy Hillary, a 17‑year‑old sprinter from Côte d’Ivoire, first encountered athletics during a ninth‑grade physical education test. “My teacher told me, ‘You are, you are fast, you have an athlete’s build, so you can do it,’” she recalls, adding that the encouragement sparked her motivation to “put my name in the history of athletics worldwide.”

Path to the Youth Olympic Games

After debuting in youth championships, Hillary joined a training group and later moved to the athletics training centre at the National Institute of Youth and Sports (INJS). She has competed in the School Games in Algeria, national championships and other events that have built her experience ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where she will contest the 100 metres.

Aspiring for Gold

Hillary’s primary ambition is to win a gold medal, stating, “I really want to win an Olympic medal, that is to say, the gold medal. I want Côte d’Ivoire to have its first Youth Olympic medal.” She also emphasizes the desire to “make a name for myself” and be recorded in athletics history.

Family and Coaching Support

Her father provides constant encouragement, speaking to her before every race and reminding her that “hard work is the only thing that pays off.” Coach Audrey Guetty highlights that balancing education with sport is a crucial element of Hillary’s development, noting that both are priorities at the training centre.

Balancing Studies and Training

Having earned her baccalaureate, Hillary is now in her first year of university. She explains that she “organises” her time to give her best in training while remaining serious about her studies, acknowledging that sacrifices are sometimes necessary.

Hillary’s journey reflects the determination of a young athlete striving to leave a lasting mark on the global stage.