Algerian teenager Kaylia Nemour wept tears of joy as she became the first African athlete to win an Olympic gymnastics medal.
The 17-year-old French-born athlete outshined several big names in the competition to win gold on the uneven bars, registering her country’s first medal at the Paris Games.
Her breathtaking routine wowed the crowd at the Bercy Arena on Sunday, helping her secure the title ahead of China’s Qiu Qiyuan and Team USA’s Sunisa Lee, who took silver and bronze respectively.
Defending Olympic uneven bars champion Nina Derwael of Belgium finished fourth.
Nemour was under immense pressure after Qiyuan posted an impressive score of 15.500 with an immaculate routine.
Rising to the challenge, Nemour delivered an exceptionally difficult and fast-paced routine featuring complex release-and-catch maneuvers that delighted the crowd.
She finished with a score of 15.700, outscoring her Chinese rival and securing her place in history.
As soon as she landed, Nemour was in tears, knowing she had perhaps done enough to earn her country’s first-ever gold in gymnastics and their first medal of the Paris Olympics.
Emotions ran high for the young gymnast when her triumph was confirmed.
Draped in the Algerian flag, she stepped up to soak in the applause. “I’m so shocked, it’s the dream of all my life. I can’t believe it has happened, I’m speechless,” Nemour said, overwhelmed with emotion.
She added, “In qualifying I had 15.600. When I saw her 15.500, I knew I really had to fight and give the performance of my life.”
The 17-year-old was honoured to have won this medal, especially after all the challenges she had faced. “It’s crazy. I’m honored to have this medal after all that has happened. It’s a relief,” she said.
Nemour’s journey to this historic moment has been one of determination and resilience. She began competing for Algeria last year after a dispute with the French gymnastics federation, which blocked her from competing on medical grounds.
Despite these challenges, she found plenty of support at the Bercy Arena, where fans roared and jumped to their feet as soon as Nemour completed her dismount.
Belgium’s Derwael, the champion at the Tokyo Games, finished just 0.034 of a point off the podium.
Nemour’s stunning high-flying acrobatic performance earned her a career-best 15.700 points, pushing Qiu, also 17, into the silver medal position with 15.500.
“It was my ultimate dream, years of hard work, and details. I’m honored to have been able to win this medal, first of all for me and for Algeria too,” said Nemour.
Nemour’s victory is not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Algeria and African gymnastics.
Her performance has paved the way for future athletes from the continent to aspire to Olympic glory in the sport.
Fans and supporters in the arena and back home celebrated her victory, recognizing the hard work and dedication that brought her to this moment.
