Cheick Sallah Cissé

Born on September 19, 1993, in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, Cheick Sallah Cissé Junior has established himself as a prominent taekwondo athlete. His career began with consistent performances, leading to significant achievements such as winning gold at the 2015 African Games in the men’s 80 kg category. This early success set the stage for his Olympic debut. A pivotal moment in his career came at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, where he secured a gold medal in the men’s 80 kg taekwondo event. This victory was historic for Côte d’Ivoire, marking the country’s first-ever Olympic gold.

Cissé continued to compete at a high level, participating in various World Taekwondo Grand Prix events. He achieved multiple gold medals in the 80 kg category at events in Moscow (2015), Rabat (2017), London (2017), and Abidjan (2017). His performance in the Grand Prix series also included several silver and bronze medals across different years and locations, demonstrating his sustained presence among the top competitors. Following his Olympic success, he also secured gold at the 2016 African Championships in Port Said and further gold at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, solidifying his regional dominance.

After facing a challenging period at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he unexpectedly lost in his opening fight, Cissé made a strategic move to the +80 kg category. This change culminated in a significant return to form, as he won the gold medal in the men’s heavyweight event at the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. This victory also earned Côte d’Ivoire a quota spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in the +80kg category. Off the mat, Cissé is an ambassador and a council member for World Taekwondo, contributing to the sport’s development and serving as a flagbearer for Côte d’Ivoire at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.