Undoubtedly, he allowed more than one Mauritian to dream? Stéphan Buckland may not have won a medal but he succeeded in rallying all Mauritians during the 20?41?? he ran in Helsinki. His fifth place after the four Americans is more than respectable; it is real source of pride for the whole population.

Hearing one of the four American stars saying, just before the race, ?We are confident but we will have to be very careful of the Mauritian Buckland ? he could be dangerous!? This was enough to make of Stéphan a winner. International TV channels fought for a statement from the ?new star??

However, the athlete was a bit disappointed by the results. Although he asserts that he did his ?best?, he is nevertheless sad not to have been able ?to show that the little Mauritian could oust the Americans and upset their plans,? as he said after the race. This state of mind must have something to do with the fact that it is his third final in a world championship ? after Edmonton in 2001 and Paris in 2003 ? and that he hasn?t been able to reach the podium. But his place in the final is a victory in itself? and is very promising for the future!

Stéphan, who decided to train in Mauritius ? next to his family and friends and more particularly his daughter, Milane ? will surely have a lot to offer to his compatriots in Osaka in two years? time? As the world-famous champion Donavan Bailey whispered to Stéphan, ?Next time, it will be your turn!?