Endowed with an exceptional and legendary modesty, Bineta Diedhiou is one of the greatest prides of Senegal internationally, very committed, she defended the colors of her country with honor and success thanks to her beautiful performances and her numerous honorary distinctions.

The first Senegalese taekwondo world medalist, flag bearer at the Olympic Games, and now a youth mentor, Bineta Diédhiou has never stopped fighting. From her career marked by discipline and national pride, a project close to her heart was born: the Bineta Diédhiou Academy, a center dedicated to education, sport, and the protection of the most vulnerable. Meet a champion whose fight now extends beyond the tatami mats.

In an interview with seneweb from China, the Senegalese champion spoke about her beginnings, her career, her projects among other subjects.

Hello Bineta, you are an international taekwondo champion. Can you tell us about your personality?

My name is Bineta Diédhiou, daughter of Ibrahima Diédhiou, Taekwondo Grandmaster and police officer. I grew up at the Abdou Diassé camp where I started taekwondo when I could barely walk. I grew up in a training room, sometimes sleeping on the edge of the tatami mats, sucking my thumb... Little by little, this sport became my home, my family, and then my whole life.

What motivated you to practice this sport?

My father is a great taekwondo master, and my whole family was immersed in this world. At the Abdou Diassé camp, almost all the children practiced taekwondo. It was natural for me to follow this path: it was my passion, but also a legacy.

Have you completed higher education?

Yes, I've always believed in combining sport and education. I obtained a certificate from ISM Saint-Louis for a master's degree in sports management in 2023. I also completed the Athlete 365 Business Accelerator program, obtained a certificate in sports sponsorship at the EDGE Institute in Dakar in 2022, with the support of the Senegalese Olympic Committee. I have also been a certified Personal Trainer since 2020, and hold several diplomas issued by Olympic associations. These trainings allowed me to broaden my skills and prepare for my career change.

In what year did you win your first international award?

It was in 2005, when I won my first world medal. It was a historic moment, both for me and for Senegal.

Have you always defended the colors of the Senegalese nation in your competitions?

Yes, absolutely. I wouldn't have changed my colors for anything in the world. Carrying the Senegalese flag is an immense honor, and I will continue to defend it with pride.

What is the greatest success of your career?

I am proud to have been the first Senegalese woman to win a world medal in taekwondo. I also had the honor of representing my country at the Olympic Games and reaching the quarterfinals in 2008. Being Senegal's flag bearer was a moment of grace that I will never forget. I was also awarded the Golden Lion in 2007, the prize for the best Senegalese athlete of the year.

What are your current activities?

Today, I put my experience to work for young people. I had the honor of accompanying the Senegalese delegation to China to prepare for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. I coach seven young people (three girls and four boys) in taekwondo, and we have been working hard since August to prepare them for this major event. My mission is to teach them not only the technique, but also the discipline, mental strength, and confidence needed to shine.

Have you thought about setting up an academy in Senegal?

Yes, it's a childhood dream. I founded the Bineta Diédhiou Academy project, a center that will be a sanctuary for youth and women. The idea is to use sports, and particularly taekwondo, as a tool for education, security, and well-being. The academy will offer free programs to street children to give them hope and perspective, and will also welcome vulnerable women to strengthen their confidence and autonomy. Today, the land is available, the plans and statutes are ready, as is the building permit. All that's missing is the necessary support to build this project, which is deeply close to my heart and which, I am convinced, will serve all of society.

What is your plea to better support this type of sport in Senegal?

Taekwondo shaped me and gave me an identity. But I know that many children haven't had the same opportunities as me. My plea is simple: we must invest in sport not just as a competition, but as a real lever for education and social integration. Every tatami opened in a neighborhood means one less street where children get lost. Every academy built is a chance given to a girl or a boy to write a different story. I appeal to the authorities, partners, and all people of good will: let's support sport as a tool for social transformation. Because beyond medals, we are changing lives.

The last word?

If I had to sum up my life, I would say it is a fight... but a luminous fight. I grew up on a tatami mat, I flew the flag for Senegal, and today my greatest dream is to pass on my knowledge. To every child who smiles after training, to every woman who stands up stronger after learning to defend herself, I know that my mission has meaning. My final word is one of hope: I deeply believe that our country can shine through its youth, its culture, and its sport. I will continue to fight for this, not just with my fists and feet, but with my heart.

Interview by Alioune Badara Mané