Henri Elendé

Henri Elendé was a Congolese high jumper who came from Brazzaville. Elendé began training in athletics while he was at school. In 1961, he won the gold medal in the high jump at the first edition of the Friendship Games in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. In 1964, Elendé set a national record of 2.14 metres, a record that has stood for 58 years (through 2022). Later that same year, Elendé and Léon Yombe became the first athletes from the Republic of the Congo to participate at the Olympic Games. At the inaugural edition of the All-Africa Games in 1965, Elendé was the Congolese flag-bearer.

After the All-Africa Games, Elendé moved to Paris, studying at the National Institute of Sports before attending the Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports. He became the French university champion in 1965 and 1966. After graduating in 1970, Elendé returned to the Congo, where he held a succession of director roles in sports in the country, including becoming the High Commissioner for Youth and Sports. In 2000, Elendé was named as the Congolese athlete of the century, and in 2015, the President awarded him with the National Order of Sports Merit.

Personal Best: HJ – 2.14 (1964).