The Olympics remain the most prestigious sporting event on the planet, with athletes from over 200 countries competing in 329 events across 32 sports (48 disciplines) as of the 2024 edition. African nations have made significant contributions to the Olympic movement, securing medals across multiple disciplines over the years. The title of “Olympian” is one of the most coveted in global sports, with medals bringing fame, wealth, and the opportunity for endorsement deals. Below are the top five African countries that have won the most Olympic medals.
Kenya
Kenya stands as the most successful African nation in Olympic history, largely owing to its dominance in athletics. Since its debut at the 1956 Olympics, Kenya has accumulated a total of 124 medals, including 39 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze. The country has participated in every Olympics from 1956 onward, with its most successful edition being in Beijing 2008, when Kenya finished 13th overall with 16 medals, including six golds. Kenya’s medal haul is largely driven by long-distance and marathon runners, with athletics contributing 117 of the 124 medals. Notable Kenyan Olympians include marathon legends Eliud Kipchoge (two golds, a silver, and a bronze) and Faith Kipyegon, the most successful Kenyan Olympian with four medals, including two golds in the 1500 meters.
South Africa
South Africa ranks second on the list of African countries with the highest number of Olympic medals. Since its return to the Olympics in 1992 after being excluded due to apartheid, the country has won 95 medals, consisting of 28 gold, 36 silver, and 31 bronze. Although South Africa was excluded from seven consecutive Olympics between 1964 and 1988, it has excelled in a range of sports. Athletics leads with 30 medals, but the country has also found success in swimming (22 medals), boxing (19), and cycling (9). Athletes like Caster Semenya, who won multiple gold medals in middle-distance running, and swimmer Chad le Clos, who triumphed in the pool, have made significant contributions to South Africa’s Olympic medal count.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, another East African nation known for its exceptional long-distance runners, ranks third in the list with 62 Olympic medals. The country’s Olympic journey began in 1956, and Ethiopia has earned 24 gold, 15 silver, and 23 bronze medals in total. All of Ethiopia’s Olympic successes have come from athletics, particularly in middle and long-distance running. Legendary athletes like Kenenisa Bekele, with four medals (three gold and one silver), and Tirunesh Dibaba, with six medals (three gold and three bronze), have become household names in the world of athletics.
Egypt
Egypt holds the fourth spot with 41 Olympic medals: nine gold, 12 silver, and 20 bronze. The country has participated in nearly every Olympic Games since 1912, with a few exceptions due to political boycotts. Egypt’s most successful disciplines at the Olympics have been weightlifting (15 medals) and wrestling (eight medals), although the country has also won medals in taekwondo, boxing, judo, fencing, karate, diving, and modern pentathlon. Egyptian athletes like Karam Gaber, who won a gold medal in wrestling, have contributed significantly to the nation’s Olympic medal tally.
Morocco
Rounding out the top five African countries with the highest number of Olympic medals is Morocco, with a total of 26 medals: eight gold, five silver, and 13 bronze. The country’s Olympic participation began in 1960, and Morocco has been present at every Games since, except for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which it boycotted. Athletics has been the main source of Morocco’s success, contributing 21 of the country’s 26 medals, including eight golds. Steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali, who won two Olympic gold medals, stands out as one of Morocco’s most successful athletes in recent years. Boxing has also added to the country’s medal count, while football contributed one medal.
These five African countries have established a strong presence in the Olympic Games, showcasing the continent’s talent and commitment to sports excellence. The continued success of these nations reflects the power of athleticism and the desire to reach the highest heights in global sports.
