As Paris 2024 approaches, Africa is on the brink of breaking the barrier of winning 50 medals for the first time in an Olympic Games. With 329 events in 32 sports, the continent will have ample opportunities to shine. Among the many talented athletes, here are six standout competitors who are poised to make a significant impact at the Games.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya, Athletics)
Faith Kipyegon is a name synonymous with excellence in middle-distance running. The 30-year-old Kenyan has been in scintillating form, capturing two world titles and setting four world records in the past 13 months. Kipyegon aims to secure her third consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 1500m, a feat no African athlete has ever achieved in the same event. Additionally, she will compete in the 5000m, hoping to replicate her double gold performance from the last World Championships. Kipyegon’s journey begins with the 5000m heats on August 2, with the final on August 5, and concludes with the 1500m final on August 10.
Letsile Tebogo (Botswana, Athletics)
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo has rapidly ascended to the top tier of sprinting. The 21-year-old made history as the first man from Botswana to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m and has already won silver and bronze medals at the World Championships. Despite facing personal challenges, including the recent loss of his mother, Tebogo remains focused on becoming the first African man to win an Olympic medal in the 100m or 200m since 1996. His Olympic campaign kicks off with the 100m heats on August 3, followed by the 200m heats on August 5.
Biniam Girmay (Eritrea, Cycling)
Biniam Girmay of Eritrea has already made history as the first Black African to win a stage at the Tour de France. At 24, Girmay is poised to achieve even more at Paris 2024. He will compete in both the individual time trial and the road race. The time trial, a 32.4km flat route in Paris, presents his best chance for a medal. The 273km road race, with its challenging terrain, will test Girmay’s endurance and strategy. A top-two finish in either event would mark the best Olympic result for Eritrea, surpassing their 2004 athletics bronze.
Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria, Freestyle Wrestling)
Blessing Oborududu is a trailblazer in Nigerian and African wrestling. The 35-year-old has accumulated 14 continental titles and four Commonwealth medals, with her silver in the 68kg category at Tokyo 2020 being Nigeria’s standout performance. Ranked sixth globally, Oborududu aims to cap her illustrious career with an Olympic gold, potentially becoming Nigeria’s fourth Olympic gold medalist. Her journey begins on August 5 with the 68kg round of 16, culminating in the medal finals on August 6.
Hugues Fabrice Zango (Burkina Faso, Athletics)
Triple jumper Hugues Fabrice Zango made history for Burkina Faso by winning their first Olympic medal with a bronze in Tokyo. The 31-year-old went a step further last year by becoming the world champion. A symbol of hope in his homeland, Zango, who also holds a doctorate in electrical engineering, is determined to bring more glory to Burkina Faso at Paris 2024. He will compete in the triple jump qualification on August 7, with the final scheduled for August 9.
Fatima Zahra El Mamouny (Morocco, Breaking)
Breaking, a new addition to the Olympics, will see Morocco’s Fatima Zahra El Mamouny, known as B-girl El Mamouny, compete as the first-ever qualifier in this category. The 24-year-old, who began her breaking journey on the streets of Rabat, aims to impress in this unique sport. Competitors will battle it out at the Place de la Concorde, judged on technique, variety, execution, musicality, and originality. El Mamouny’s participation highlights the diversity and talent emerging from Africa.
Conclusion
Paris 2024 promises to be a historic event for Africa, with these six athletes leading the charge. Whether extending their legacies or making fresh history, they embody the continent’s spirit and potential. As they take to their respective stages, the world will be watching, and Africa will be cheering them on.
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