The Paris 2024 Paralympics marked a pivotal moment for African para-sports, with the continent achieving a total of 64 medals, slightly surpassing the 63 medals won at Tokyo 2020. This increase, though modest, reflects a continued upward trend in performance.
Of the 23 gold medals awarded to African athletes, eight different nations contributed to this total, and two other countries also secured medals. Para-athletics and para-powerlifting were the primary sources of success, with 43 and 11 medals respectively. However, the achievements were not limited to these two disciplines, as athletes from the continent also excelled in eight additional sports.
Morocco emerged as the leading nation with a total of 15 medals, demonstrating significant strength across various events. Algeria, however, distinguished itself by topping the continent’s gold medal tally with six, highlighting its strong competitive performance.
Samson Deen, the president of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), praised the athletes for their impressive results and highlighted the importance of continued support from governments and communities. Deen’s comments underscore the potential for even greater achievements if African athletes receive enhanced backing and resources.
As the focus shifts to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, the APC and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) face the task of addressing several challenges. These include improving support systems, refining training programs, and overcoming logistical hurdles to build on the progress made and ensure future successes for African para-athletes.
African Para-Sports Reach New Heights at Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Paralympics marked a historic moment for African para-sports, showcasing significant breakthroughs and achievements. Mauritius secured its place in the record books as Yovanni Philippe claimed a bronze medal in the men’s T20 400m, making it the only medal for the 26 African nations competing. Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a Paralympic medal in badminton, earning bronze in the SL3 singles category. Algeria also made a notable achievement with Brahim Guendouz winning gold in para-canoeing’s KL3 class over 200m, marking the country’s first medal outside traditional para-sports disciplines.
Athletes Leave a Lasting Impact
Two African athletes particularly shone with their performances. Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili solidified her legacy by winning gold in both the F41 discus throw and shot put, bringing her total Paralympic gold medals to eight and overall medals to ten. Algerian runner Skander Djamil Athmani also achieved a remarkable feat by securing gold in the T13 100m and 400m events. Additionally, South Africa’s Mpumelelo Mhlongu set new world records in the T44 100m, 200m, and long jump. Nigerian para-powerlifters Bose Omolayo and Folashade Oluwafemiayo continued their success by defending their titles from the previous games.
Aiming for Greater Involvement
As attention turns to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, increasing African participation and performance levels is a key objective. With 312 athletes from 44 African countries, including nine with only one representative, the continent’s presence was significant but still underrepresented compared to other nations like China, which sent 284 athletes. The costs and logistics associated with international qualifying events, predominantly held in Europe, the Americas, or Asia, present ongoing challenges. To address this, efforts are being made to host the second African Para Games and expand the range of sports included in the 2027 edition. Improving classification and support systems for athletes is also a critical focus.
Strengthening Collaboration and Support
The African Paralympic Committee (APC) has called for enhanced unity among African nations to secure more resources and support for para-sports. The APC president emphasized that a collaborative approach could significantly bolster the continent’s position in para-sports and attract greater governmental support. Raising awareness and participation in para-sports will help expand the talent pool and motivate more individuals with disabilities to get involved. With a goal to match or exceed the success of the 97 medals won at the Rio 2016 Games, Africa is poised to build on its progress and prepare for a strong showing at the 2028 Paralympics