The Paris 2024 Olympics have proven to be a historic and transformative event for African athletes, showcasing the continent’s immense talent and potential on the global stage. From established powerhouses to emerging nations, African athletes are making significant strides across a wide range of sports, highlighting their resilience, skill, and determination.
North Africa
Egypt
Egypt continues to be a formidable force in the Olympics, with a strong contingent of athletes competing across various disciplines. In judo, Egyptian judokas have shown exceptional skill, with Mohamed Abdelaal reaching the quarterfinals in the men’s 81 kg category. In weightlifting, Sara Samir is a medal contender, having lifted impressive weights in the preliminary rounds. Egypt’s fencers have also displayed remarkable talent, with the women’s team reaching the semifinals.
Morocco
Morocco’s athletes have excelled in athletics, with Soufiane El Bakkali leading the charge in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. El Bakkali, a gold medalist from Tokyo 2020, is once again a favorite for the top podium spot. In boxing, Youness Baalla has advanced to the quarterfinals, showing great promise in the heavyweight division.
Tunisia
Tunisia’s swimmers have continued their tradition of excellence, with Ahmed Hafnaoui, the 2020 Olympic champion, making waves in the freestyle events. Hafnaoui has qualified for the finals in both the 400m and 800m freestyle, positioning himself as a strong contender for multiple medals.
West Africa
Nigeria
Nigeria’s athletes are making headlines in track and field events. Blessing Okagbare, a seasoned sprinter, has advanced to the semifinals in both the 100m and 200m events. Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, is also a strong medal contender. In basketball, the Nigerian men’s and women’s teams have both made it to the knockout stages, showcasing their growing prowess in the sport. Nigeria beat Australia’s Women’s Basketball Team in shock win today
Ghana
Ghana’s boxers have performed admirably, with Samuel Takyi advancing to the semifinals in the featherweight division. Takyi, who won bronze in Tokyo, is aiming for an even higher finish in Paris. In athletics, Joseph Paul Amoah has qualified for the 200m semifinals, demonstrating impressive speed and technique.
Ivory Coast
Marie-Josée Ta Lou continues to be a sprinting sensation for Ivory Coast, having reached the finals in both the 100m and 200m events. Ta Lou, known for her explosive starts and strong finishes, is a favorite for a podium finish. In taekwondo, Ruth Gbagbi has advanced to the quarterfinals, showing her technical prowess and determination.
East Africa
Kenya
Kenya remains a dominant force in middle and long-distance running. Eliud Kipchoge, the world record holder in the marathon, is once again a favorite for gold. Faith Kipyegon has already secured gold in the women’s 1500m, continuing her reign as the world’s top middle-distance runner. In the men’s 800m, Emmanuel Korir has advanced to the finals, looking to defend his title from Tokyo.
Ethiopia
Ethiopian athletes have excelled in distance running, with Letesenbet Gidey winning gold in the women’s 10,000m. In the men’s events, Selemon Barega has advanced to the finals in both the 5000m and 10,000m, aiming to add to his medal tally from previous championships. In the women’s marathon, Yalemzerf Yehualaw is a strong contender, having won multiple international marathons leading up to the Olympics.
Uganda
Joshua Cheptegei has continued his dominance in the men’s 5000m and 10,000m, securing a spot in the finals for both events. Cheptegei, the world record holder, is aiming for a double gold in Paris. In boxing, Shadir Musa Bwogi has advanced to the quarterfinals in the welterweight division, showcasing his skill and tenacity.
Southern Africa
South Africa
South African athletes have shown their versatility and strength across various sports. In swimming, Tatjana Schoenmaker has already won gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke, setting a new Olympic record. Chad le Clos has advanced to the finals in the men’s butterfly events, aiming to add to his impressive medal haul. In athletics, Wayde van Niekerk has qualified for the finals in the men’s 400m, seeking to reclaim his title from Rio 2016.
Namibia
Christine Mboma continues to shine in the sprints, having reached the finals in both the 100m and 200m events. Mboma, known for her remarkable speed and endurance, is a strong contender for medals. In boxing, Jonas Junias has advanced to the semifinals in the lightweight division, displaying his tactical prowess and resilience.
Botswana
Nijel Amos has qualified for the finals in the men’s 800m, looking to improve on his silver medal from London 2012. Amos, known for his powerful finishing kick, is a favorite for the podium. In the men’s 4x400m relay, the Botswanan team has advanced to the finals, showcasing their speed and teamwork.
Central Africa
Cameroon
Cameroon’s weightlifters have performed admirably, with Junior Periclex Ngadja Nyabeyeu advancing to the finals in the men’s 109 kg category. In wrestling, Adeline Gray has reached the semifinals in the women’s freestyle, displaying her strength and technical skill.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The DRC’s boxers have shown great promise, with Marcelat Sakobi advancing to the quarterfinals in the women’s flyweight division. In judo, Marie Branser has reached the semifinals in the women’s 78 kg category, demonstrating her skill and determination.
Island Nations
Madagascar
Madagascar’s athletes have excelled in judo and athletics. Asaramanitra Ratiarison has reached the quarterfinals in the women’s 48 kg judo category, showcasing her technical prowess. In athletics, Nirina Randrianarison has qualified for the semifinals in the men’s 400m hurdles, displaying impressive speed and technique.
Mauritius
Mauritius’ athletes have performed well in boxing and weightlifting. Richarno Colin has advanced to the quarterfinals in the men’s lightweight division, showcasing his tactical skill and resilience. In weightlifting, Roilya Ranaivosoa has reached the finals in the women’s 49 kg category, demonstrating her strength and determination.
Commentary on Medal Possibilities
As the Paris 2024 Olympics progress, the possibilities for African athletes to secure medals are numerous and promising. The continent’s athletes have shown remarkable resilience and skill across a wide range of sports, and several are poised to reach the podium.
Athletics
In athletics, Kenya and Ethiopia continue to dominate middle and long-distance running events, with multiple athletes advancing to the finals and strong contenders for gold. South Africa’s sprinters and middle-distance runners are also in prime positions for medals.
Swimming
South Africa’s swimmers have already secured gold and are in contention for more medals, with Tatjana Schoenmaker and Chad le Clos leading the charge. Egypt’s swimmers are also showing promise, with several advancing to the finals.
Boxing and Judo
African boxers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon have advanced to the later stages of their respective weight classes, showcasing their skill and determination. In judo, athletes from Egypt, Tunisia, and Madagascar have performed admirably, with several advancing to the semifinals and finals.
Weightlifting
Weightlifters from Egypt and Cameroon have shown their strength and skill, advancing to the finals and positioning themselves as strong contenders for medals. The performances of these athletes highlight the growing prominence of weightlifting in Africa.
Gymnastics
Simone Biles’ participation in the team finals and her quest for redemption in Paris is a significant storyline. African-American athletes have been making waves in gymnastics, and their performances are closely watched and celebrated by fans around the world.
The Paris 2024 Olympics are a testament to the immense talent and potential of African athletes. Across a wide range of sports, they have demonstrated their skill, resilience, and determination, making their mark on the global stage. As the Games continue, the possibilities for African medals are numerous and promising, with several athletes poised to reach the podium and bring glory to their nations. The performances of these athletes inspire hope and pride across the continent, showcasing the bright future of African sports.
Basketball
South Sudan beat Puerto Rico for first-ever Olympic basketball win.
Carlik Jones scored 19 points as South Sudan rallied in the second half to beat Puerto Rico 90-79 in the Paris Olympics opener for both teams Sunday.
It is the first Olympic basketball victory for South Sudan, which is playing in its first Games after qualifying as Africa’s top finisher in last year’s World Cup. Marial Shayok added 15 points for South Sudan, which will next meet the U.S. on Tuesday.
Puerto Rico led throughout the first half of the Group C matchup but was disrupted late in the second quarter after top scorer Jose Alvarado left late with an apparent sprained ankle. He returned early in the third quarter and finished with 26 points and five assists. Tremont Waters added 18 points.
South Sudan, which nearly pulled off a stunning exhibition upset of the U.S. leading into the Olympics, showed that same scrappiness Sunday against a Puerto Rico team it lost to in last year’s World Cup
Prior to tipoff, the wrong national anthem was played for South Sudan, which emerged from civil war to become an independent nation in 2011. The recorded track was then cut off after 20 seconds.
The Sudanese players and their fans first stood confused, prompting fans of both teams to boo. They then started clapping as South Sudan’s players stood in unison with their hands over their hearts watching for the issue to be reconciled.
“It’s the pride for their country,” said South Sudan coach Royal Ivey, who is American. “South Sudan. ‘Sud’ means ‘the land of the Black.’ These guys wanted to play. Wanted to hear their anthem. They messed up on the anthem, but they got it correct. We all make mistakes. I’m definitely going to put that in comments. But at the end of the day, these guys are brothers.”
The Sudanese players and their fans first stood confused, prompting fans of both teams to boo. They then started clapping as South Sudan’s players stood in unison with their hands over their hearts watching for the issue to be reconciled.
“It’s the pride for their country,” said South Sudan coach Royal Ivey, who is American. “South Sudan. ‘Sud’ means ‘the land of the Black.’ These guys wanted to play. Wanted to hear their anthem. They messed up on the anthem, but they got it correct. We all make mistakes. I’m definitely going to put that in comments. But at the end of the day, these guys are brothers.”
By: Jide Adesina
