:focal(187x52:189x50)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2026/03/21/image-c71b43e1-4795-4990-8fb0-7b57e6fcae00-85-2560-1440.jpeg?ssl=1 "Zaynab Dosso Wins Gold at 2026 World Indoor Championships: Italy’s Sprint Star!")
From our correspondent in Toruń – A bronze medal at the 2024 Glasgow World Indoor Championships, a silver in Nanjing 2025, and now, gold at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń. Italy’s Zaynab Dosso has completed a remarkable ascent, one reminiscent of Tadej Pogačar’s dominance, proving a point now clear across the athletics world: when the distances shorten, specifically to 60 meters, Zaynab Dosso is the standard. Tonight’s victory marks her third consecutive World Indoor Championships medal, and her most precious yet.
The 26-year-old athlete from Fiamme Azzurre – Italian indoor champion in Ancona just weeks ago – concluded the second day of competition with a performance of pure determination, clocking a time of 7.00 seconds to defeat a formidable field including American Jacious Sears (silver by three thousandths of a second) and Olympic champion Julien Alfred (bronze).
Dosso’s win is historic for Italian athletics. She now equals the records of Giovanni Evangelisti and Ileana Salvador, reaching the top of the all-time list for Italian athletes with three medals at the World Indoor Championships.
Sixteen-year-old Kelly Doualla, a prodigious talent and already a two-time European U20 champion, reached the semi-finals (7.36) in her first senior World Indoor Championships experience.
The Top 5
| 1. DOSSO (ITA) | 7″00 |
| 2. SEARS (USA) | +0″3 (.0222) |
| 3. ALFRED (LCA) | +0″3 (0.225) |
| 4. LYSTON (JAM) | +0″5 |
| 5. SMITH (JAM) | +0″6 |
Dosso’s Reflections
“It was a race where I just told myself: start and finish, without thinking too much. After the semi-final, I expected to head under seven seconds, but it didn’t happen. That’s okay, the important thing was to win.”
“The real transformation came after Tokyo: I sat down with Giorgio (her coach) and we decided to change everything. This inner journey likewise started thanks to him, he helped me step outside my comfort zone. We have a whole series of things I don’t like to do. For example: the training blocks in Tenerife. But I enjoyed the journey, that’s the most important thing.”
“The medal is very beautiful, emotional and significant for me. This gold is truly the meaning of resilience: the move to Rome, away from family, from friends… The triumph is certainly magnificent, but the most important thing is the journey. The growth I’ve experienced.”
Inspiration
“Sinner and Marcell Jacobs inspired me. You can learn something every day. I hope this medal will bring many boys and girls closer to athletics.”
On Doualla
“She is fresh air for our group. This environment, I think, was a shock to her, but it’s normal at the beginning. I tried to stay close to her and assist her.”
Looking Ahead
“Initially, we will do a lot of 200s, then towards the end of May/June I will gradually return to the 100s.”
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Zaynab Dosso second in Lucerne in 11″24 behind Jonielle Smith: relive her race
Video credit: Eurosport
The World Athletics Indoor Championships continue in Toruń, Poland, with competition scheduled to resume tomorrow. Fans can follow all the action live on the World Athletics website and through official broadcasters.
What did you think of Dosso’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
