Kenya Leads Africa’s Medal Count at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics have concluded, with Kenya leading the African medal tally, securing 11 medals, including 4 golds.
The nation once again showcased its dominance in athletics, with standout performances from Béatrice Chebet, who won gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who became the Olympic champion in the 800m.
Faith Kipyegon also added to Kenya’s gold count by winning the women’s 1500m.
Algeria followed in second place with 2 gold medals. Kaylia Nemour made history as the first African to win gold at these Games, taking the top spot in the uneven bars.
Imane Khelif also earned gold for Algeria in boxing.
South Africa secured third place with 1 gold medal, won by swimmer Tatjana Smith in the 100m breaststroke.
Ethiopia completed the top four, also with 1 gold medal, won by Tamirat Tola in the men’s marathon.
Overall, African nations won a total of 38 medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, one more than their total at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Other African countries that claimed gold medals include Egypt, Tunisia, Botswana, Uganda, and Morocco.
Egypt finished fifth among African nations with 3 medals, including a gold in modern pentathlon won by Ahmed Elgendy.
Tunisia made its mark in taekwondo, with Firas Katoussi winning gold in the -80kg category.
Uganda earned 2 medals, both in athletics, with Joshua Cheptegei securing a medal in the 10,000 meters.
Botswana celebrated its first Olympic gold in the 200m, won by Letsile Tebogo, who also helped secure a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay.
Morocco took home 2 medals, including a gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase won by Soufiane El Bakkali.
The closing ceremony at the Stade de France featured performances by international artists and drew over 70,000 attendees.
In a dramatic finale, Tom Cruise symbolically transferred the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Games.
Additional source: Other Agencies
