Algiers:Kélia Nimour, a 17-year-old gymnast from Algeria, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the gold medal in the gymnastics final. Nimour became the first African gymnast to win gold at the Olympics, outperforming China’s Qi Qiwan and the USA’s Sinise Lee.
In a stunning display of athleticism on Sunday, Nimour captivated the audience with her impressive gymnastics routines. Despite a strong performance from China’s Qi Qiwan, who posted a score of 15.500, Nimour clinched victory with a score of 15.700, surpassing her competitor and securing her place as the top gymnast.
Qi Qiwan took the silver medal, while the USA’s Sinise Lee earned the bronze. Defending Olympic champion Nina Derwael from Belgium finished in fourth place.
**”The Performance of My Life”**
Upon winning, Kélia Nimour draped the Algerian flag around herself and faced the cheering crowd with pride. She expressed her astonishment at her achievement, saying, “I am so surprised; this was a dream of my whole life. I can’t believe I have achieved this honor.”
Reflecting on her journey, Nimour added, “In qualifying, I had a score of 15.600. When I saw that 15.500 was the score to beat, I knew I had to fight hard and deliver the performance of my life. I am proud to have won this medal.”
It is noteworthy that Nimour began representing Algeria after a dispute with the French Gymnastics Federation last year. The federation had barred her from competing on medical grounds, leading her to switch allegiance and compete for her father’s country.
Nimour’s triumph not only marks a personal victory but also represents a significant milestone for African athletes on the global stage.
