The 2024 summer olympics were held in France between 24th July 2024 to 11th August 2024, after countless games and competition it’s time to celebrate Africa’s remarkable achievements on the world stage. 12 African Countries made it to the medals table, namely : Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, Ethiopia , Egypt, Tunisia, Botswana, Uganda, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Cabo Verde and Zambia. Africa secured 39 medals : 13 Gold 🥇, 12 Silver 🥈and 14 Bronze
Medal Break down by African Country
Kenya led the African charge, clinching 11 medals and securing the 17th spot in the global rankings. Their haul included 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals. All Kenyan medals were in athletics: Gold: Women’s 10,000m, Women’s 5000m, Women’s 1500m, Men’s 800m. Silver: Women’s 5000m and Men’s 5000m. Bronze : Women’s 3000m Steeplechase, Women’s Marathon, Women’s 800m, Men’s 3000m Steeplechase, Men’s Marathon.
Algeria 3 medals were Gold: Artistic Gymnastics-Women’s Uneven Bars and Boxing- Women’s 66kg. Bronze was in Athletics- Men’s 800m
South Africa won the first medal for the continent by clinching Bronze in the Men’s Rugby Sevens. They also won Silver in Athletics- Men’s 4 x 100m Relay and Women’s Javelin Throw. The second bronze was in Cycling Mountain Bike-Men’s Cross-country
Ethiopia’s 4 medals were all in athletics: Gold in Men’s Marathon and 3 Silver medals in : Women’s Marathon, Women’s 800m and Men’s 10,000m.
Egypt had a diverse range of medals: Gold in Fencing- Men’s Épée Individual, Silver in Modern Pentathlon-Men’s Individual and Bronze in Weightlifting- Women’s 81kg
Tunisia 3 medals were : Gold in Taekwondo – Men -80kg , Silver in Fencing- Men’s Sabre Individual and Bronze in Taekwondo – Men -58kg
Bostwana’s two medals were from athletics- Gold in Men’s 200m and Silver in Men’s 4 x 400m Relay
Uganda’s two medals were also from athletics – Gold in Men’s 10,000m and Silver from Women’s 3000m Steeplechase
Morrocco won Gold in Men’s 3000m Steeplechase and Bronze in Mens football
Côte d’Ivoire won bronze in Taekwondo – Men +80kg.
Cabo Verde won Bronze in Boxing-Men’s 51kg .
Zambia won Bronze in Athletics- Men’s 400m
Stand Out Performers
The continent had so many standout performers who captured the attention and hearts of the whole world. Kaylia Nemour of Algeria became the first Algerian and African gymnast to win an olympic medal by winning a gold medal.
Faith Kipyegon became the first olympian to win 3 1500m medals consecutively at the Olympics, all gold medals.
Bostwana’s Letsile Tebogo captured Gold at the 200m track even against the heavy favorite American Nyles, giving the South Africa country its first Olympic Gold. He also helped his claim a silver medal in the 4x400m relay.
Looking Ahead
Africa’s performance in Paris 2024 is a testament to the continent’s sporting potential. As we celebrate these victories, it’s crucial to use this momentum to drive further growth in African sports. With continued support, investment, and determination, there’s no limit to what African athletes can achieve on the global stage.
The Paris 2024 Olympics may be over, but for African sports, this is just the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.
For more check out the Africa’s Human Development Index Report.
