Africa’s historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Africa’s historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. GETTY IMAGES

The Paris 2024 Paralympics marked a pivotal moment for Africa, as the continent achieved a total of 64 medals, one more than the previous tally at Tokyo 2020. Among these medals, 23 golds were distributed across eight nations, with two additional countries making their medal table mark.

As expected, para-athletics and para-powerlifting dominated the events, yielding 43 and 11 medals, respectively. Morocco led the way with 15 medals, while Algeria excelled with six golds.

Samson Deen, president of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), praised the athletes for their remarkable achievements but noted ongoing challenges: “African athletes have shown that if our governments and our people lift up support, they are going to perform much, much better.”

Looking to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the APC and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) face significant hurdles. Notably, Mauritius celebrated its first medal when Yovanni Philippe earned bronze in the men’s T20 400m race. Additionally, Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history by winning bronze in badminton, becoming the first African to earn a medal in the sport at the Paralympics or Olympics.

Algeria also made headlines with Brahim Guendouz’s gold in the KL3 para-canoeing event. Guendouz expressed optimism, stating, “It’s going to make a big jump in our sport. A lot of African athletes will have the same opportunity and will be (in) the same place as me.”

Eniola Bolaji (R) became the first African to win a medal in badminton at the Olympics and Paralympics. GETTY IMAGES

Prominent para-athletes solidified their legacies, including Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili, who won two golds and now holds eight Paralympic golds and ten total medals. Algerian sprinter Skander Djamil Athmani won gold in both the 100m and 400m, while South Africa’s Mpumelelo Mhlongu set world records in the T44 100m and long jump.

As preparations begin for the LA 2028 Games, increasing participation and competitiveness is crucial. A total of 312 para-athletes represented Africa from 44 nations, with nine countries sending just one athlete. Funding and facilities remain critical challenges, particularly as many qualifying events occur in Europe or the Americas.

The APC is actively seeking a host for the second edition of the African Para Games and has partnered with a European sports agency to expand the sports featured in the 2027 edition. Duane Kale, vice president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), emphasised the continent’s “untapped potential,” noting that stronger African representation will benefit the IPC as well.

The APC recently met with NPC officials to stress unity in securing greater government funding. Deen pointed out, “The biggest challenge we have is disunity among the African people. When we are united, we have one message. If we are together, we can build a strong Africa in para-sports.”

Raising the profile of para-sport across Africa is essential for increasing participation. Hagie Drammeh, The Gambia’s chef de mission in Paris, remarked, “There are many people with disabilities who do not believe sport is the way out. We need to get into most of the sports so that people with impairments… will have life in sports.”

Nigerian para-powerlifting silver medalist Esther Nworgu encouraged individuals with disabilities to embrace sports, stating, “Sport will build you mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Where there is disability, there is ability. I see it as strength.”

As Africa prepares for the 2028 Games, the achievements in Paris highlight the need for continued support and development in para-sport. With unity and commitment, the future looks bright for African para-athletes on the global stage.                              

By Sam May / Insidethegames