Sasha Zhoya has once again proven why he has fans across the globe. He did not let his fans face disappointment even in this season of the Grand Slam Track 2025. By bagging a silver in the 110m hurdles by clocking 13.34, he has showed us that he is no less than his idol, Usain Bolt. 

Similar to the Jamaican legend, Zhoya also had dreams of being the best athlete that everyone remembers. His journey in athletics began at the tender age of 8, when he was first coached by his mother. Fast-forward to today, in his bid to be the best, he has received support from the top coaches. Now, ever since he planned to compete for France at international platforms, he joined Ladji Doucouré, who is the supervisor of the sprint-hurdles group of the French Athletics Federation at INSEP.

So, read on to know more about Ladji, whose supervision has helped Zhoya to become a hurdle star.

Who is Ladji Doucouré?

Ladji Doucouré is a French sprint sensation known for breaking various records. He secured a gold medal in the World Championship in 110 m hurdles in 2005. Born to Malian and Senegalese roots, Doucouré pivoted from decathlon and soccer dreams to become Europe’s hurdling king, competing in three Olympic Games and nearly grabbing bronze in Beijing 2008. But wait, there is more to his story. He doesn’t just specialize in hurdling and sprinting, but he was also a football player and a decathlete. 

And Doucouré’s journey goes beyond sports. He is also popular among the people for his community services. He is committed to promoting  athletics among youngsters of the marginalized community through the Golden Blocks association. In 2017, he participated in the Caravan for Peace in Senegal, where he was on a three-day trip to inspire youth in remote areas. He met children, families, and local associations and tried providing material support to them.

Ladji Doucouré Career Highlights and Achievements

Doucouré has seen a lot of memorable moments in his career which show his talent and his passion towards athletics. One of the defining moments of his career came when he won gold in the 60m hurdles at the 2005 European Indoor Championships. However, he had shown his exceptional speed in 2004 Olympics. In the initial rounds he was the fastest in 110m hurdles, but a mishap in the final round made him reach the finish line on the eighth position.

Another remarkable moment in his career came when he made history by running the 110 m hurdles in 12.97 seconds at the French Championships in Angers. Through this race, he became the  first French athlete to break the 13-second barrier. He has also won a gold medal in 4X100m relay race at the 2005 World Championships. This showcased his ability to perform both individually and as part of a team.

At this point, Doucouré’s most notable student is Sasha Zhoya. He has been training Zhoya since 2019. Doucouré frequently acknowledges Zhoya’s natural talent. However, he wants Zhoya to be consistent and become an extraordinary talent.

“Sasha is incredibly talented, but talent alone isn’t enough. What matters now is consistency, humility, and hard work — and I know he’s got it in him,” he once said when Zhoya was eliminated from the semi-finals of the 110m hurdles world championship. It seems Zhoya has kept the words of his trainer well. And under Doucouré’s technical guidance and with the benefit of his elite-level experience, he is achieving great heights. 

What do you think about this dynamic coach-athlete duo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!