Mous Sonko signs the Olympians’ Wall in Dakar; first Olympic event ever staged on African soil.
Olympic silver medallist Mous Sonko signs the Olympians’ Wall in Dakar
Olympic silver medallist Mous Sonko signs the Olympians’ Wall in Dakar
French basketball great Mous Sonko made history by winning Olympic silver at Sydney 2000. Proud of his Senegalese roots, he has welcomed Dakar 2026 as the first Olympic event ever to be staged on African soil.
He left his mark on Olympic basketball history, and has now left another on Dakar’s Olympians’ Wall. Olympic silver medallist Mous Sonko signed the Olympians’ Wall on Monday 3 August 2026, 25 years after competing at his first Olympic Games.
A quarter of a century on, the former France international still recalls that defining moment of his career with great emotion. " Basketball has always been a sport that’s close to my heart," he said, explaining that he had “always dreamed of competing at the Olympic Games. "
" For athletes around the world, it’s like a footballer dreaming of playing in the FIFA World Cup. Competing at the Olympic Games is the ultimate goal. Representing your national team is already something special, but reaching the Olympics and winning an Olympic medal is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career .”
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A key playmaker at Sydney 2000
Moustapha Sonko represented France at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, playing a pivotal role as point guard in one of the country’s greatest-ever Olympic basketball campaigns. France reached the final before claiming the silver medal after a 85-75 defeat to the United States.
Despite falling short in the gold medal game, Les Bleus secured the first-ever Olympic silver medal in men’s basketball for France, a milestone that remains one of the defining memories of Sonko’s career.
" Winning that silver medal was an immense honour. You don’t win an Olympic medal every day. We came so close to beating the United States, who had nearly been knocked out in the semi-finals. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever ."
Proud of his Senegalese roots
Born in France to Senegalese parents, Moustapha Sonko has always maintained a strong connection with Senegal. In just a few months, Dakar will host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic sporting event ever to take place on the African continent. For Sonko, the occasion represents a historic milestone.
“I’m Senegalese too, so it’s a tremendous source of pride. The fact that this is the first Olympic event ever held in Africa makes it even more meaningful. I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible and that these Games leave unforgettable memories, not only for everyone involved, but also for other African nations that may one day have the opportunity to host an Olympic event themselves. "