OJ 2024: 10 Africans Who Can Win Medals
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games progress, everyone is eager for medals, and all eyes are on the athletes who will represent the African continent. This global event offers a platform for talent from around the world, and African athletes are ready to shine.
So far, three medals have been won for Africa: Tunisia's Fares Ferjani secured bronze in Fencing, in the Men's Individual Sabre category, Mohamed Elsayed, from Egypt, also won bronze in Fencing, in the Men's Individual Epee category, and the South African Men's Rugby 7 team also took home a bronze medal.
In addition to these medals, we highlight ten African athletes with a strong chance of reaching the podium and winning more medals, each bringing hope of success to their countries and the entire African continent.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – Marathon
Eliud Kipchoge, a living marathon legend, has already won two Olympic gold medals and is aiming for a third in Paris. In 2019, he made history by becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours (1:59:40) at the "Ineos 1:59 Challenge" in Vienna.
Kipchoge also won the Tokyo Marathon in 2022 and the Berlin Marathon in 2023, confirming his status as the undisputed favorite. His consistency and determination make him an iconic figure and a solid hope for another Olympic medal.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) – 1500m
Faith Kipyegon, the reigning Olympic 1500m champion, continues to demonstrate exceptional form. In 2023, she broke two world records: the 1500m with 3:49.11 and the mile with 4:07.64. She also won the Diamond League in 2022 and 2023.
Her technique and ability to accelerate in the final meters make her a strong contender for gold in Paris. Kipyegon inspires not only with her performance, but also with her endurance and dedication to the sport.
Hugues Fabrice Zango (Burkina Faso) – Triple Jump
Hugues Fabrice Zango of Burkina Faso made history by winning his country's first Olympic medal with bronze at Tokyo 2020. In 2021, he set a new indoor world record with a jump of 18,07m.
In 2023, he won the gold medal at the African Championships and the Francophonie Games, demonstrating consistency and impressive technique. Zango is determined to achieve consecration in Paris, and his steady progress makes him a strong contender for the gold medal.
Marie-Josée Ta Lou (Ivory Coast) – 100m and 200m
Sprinter Marie-Josée Ta Lou of Ivory Coast is a world-renowned athlete. Despite finishing fourth in the 100m and 200m at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won silver in both events at the 2017 World Championships.
In 2023, she set a new personal best in the 100m with a time of 10.72 seconds. Determined to turn her success into Olympic gold in Paris, Ta Lou remains one of Africa's brightest hopes in athletics.
Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa) – 400m
Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa holds the world record for the 400m (43.03s) and is an Olympic champion. After overcoming serious injuries, he returned to his best form, winning the gold medal at the 2023 African Championships and delivering solid performances at international meetings.
His experience and return to form make him a serious medal contender at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tobi Amusan (Nigeria) – 100m Hurdles
Nigerian Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion, set a new world record in the 100m hurdles in 2022 with a time of 12.12 seconds. She also won the Diamond League in 2022 and 2023.
Her ability to overcome obstacles quickly and fluidly positions her as a strong contender for Olympic gold in Paris. Although she faces tough rivals, her consistency and talent make her an athlete to watch.
Soufiane El Bakkali (Morocco) – 3000m Obstacles
Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali is the reigning Olympic champion in the 3000m steeplechase. He confirmed his status by winning the gold medal at the 2023 World Championships. His endurance and mastery in overcoming obstacles, combined with victories in several Diamond League events, make him the overwhelming favorite to repeat his Olympic success in Paris.
Cheick Sallah Cissé (Ivory Coast) – Taekwondo
Cheick Sallah Cissé of Ivory Coast won the gold medal in taekwondo at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2023, he won the gold medal at the African Championships and excelled at the taekwondo Grand Prix. Injury-free and with renewed confidence, Cissé is determined to shine again in Paris, keeping his hopes of another gold medal alive.
They live in Alemu (Ethiopia) – 800m
Habitam Alemu, from Ethiopia, has shown steady progression in middle-distance events. In 2023, she won several Diamond League meetings and set a new personal best in the 800m with a time of 1:57.19. Her impressive performances position her as a serious medal contender in Paris.
Alemu represents the new generation of Ethiopian athletes, with the potential to achieve great things.
Tatjana Smith (South Africa) – 100m and 200m Breaststroke
Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker), from South Africa, is the reigning Olympic champion in the 200m breaststroke, having set a world record in 2021 with a time of 2:18.95 and qualified today at the 2024 Olympic Games, for the 100m Breaststroke final, with the fastest time in the semi-finals.
In 2023, she won multiple gold medals at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Smith is an undisputed force in swimming and represents one of South Africa's best medal prospects at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games promise to be a stage of excellence and fierce competition for African athletes. From Kenyan distance runners to South African swimmers, Ivorian sprinters, and taekwondo champions, the African continent is well represented by world-class athletes.
These athletes may be chasing medals, but they also carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Africans. Their dedication, talent, and determination are an inspiration to all and a reminder of sport's limitless potential to unite and inspire.
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Picture: © 2024 World Rugby
