Kenya emerged as the leading African nation at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing first on the continent and 17th overall on the medals table with an impressive haul of 11 medals.
The country won four gold, two silver, and five bronze at the just-concluded Games.
Kenya’s gold medals were delivered by standout performances from Beatrice Chebet, who secured victories in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events, Faith Kipyegon, who triumphed in the 1,500m, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who clinched the 800m title.
The silver medals were claimed by Kipyegon in the 5,000m and Ronald Kwemoi in the same event, while the bronze medals came from Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), Abraham Kibiwot (3,000m steeplechase), Mary Moraa (800m), Benson Kipruto (marathon), and Hellen Obiri (marathon).
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the country was represented by 72 athletes athletes competing across six sports disciplines, including athletics, fencing, judo, rugby sevens, swimming, and volleyball.
Following Kenya, Algeria was the second-best African nation, ranking 39th overall with a total of three medals—two gold and one bronze.
Algeria’s gold medals were won by Kaylia Nemour in gymnastics (women’s uneven bars) and Imane Khelif in boxing (women’s 66kg).
Khelif’s victory was particularly notable as she became the first female boxer from Algeria to win an Olympic gold, despite controversies surrounding her eligibility to compete in women’s events.
South Africa finished 44th overall with six medals (one gold, three silver, and two bronze), making them the third-best African nation.
Ethiopia followed closely, ranking 4th in Africa and 47th overall with four medals (one gold, three silver).
Egypt and Tunisia were joint 5th on the continent and 52nd overral, with three medals each, both securing one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Botswana and Uganda tied for 55th place overall and seventh in Africa, each winning one gold and one silver medal.
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei claimed gold in the men’s 10,000m, setting a new Olympic record, while Peruth Chemutai earned a silver in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, setting a new national record for Uganda.
Sprinter Letsile Tebogo claimed the first-ever Gold medal for Botswana when he won the men’s 200 metres final, also becoming the first African to win gold in the event.
Morocco game 9th on the continent (60th overall) with one gold and one bronze, while Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, and Zambia each won one bronze medal, placing them joint 10th in Africa, and 84th on the overall table.
Only 12 African countries won atleast one medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Nigeria, a traditional African sporting power, did not make the medals table this time, a surprising outcome given the country’s history in athletics.
The United States narrowly topped the overall medals table with 40 gold medals, edging out China, who finished second.
The U.S. secured the top spot by winning more silver medals (44) compared to China’s 27.
Paris 2024 Olympics Medal Standings for African Countries
1 Kenya (17th overall) – 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze)
2 Algeria (39th overall) – 3 medals (2 gold, 1 bronze)
3 South Africa (44th overall) – 6 medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)
4 Ethiopia (47th overall) – 4 medals (1 gold, 3 silver)
5 Egyp (52nd overall) – 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
5 Tunisia (52nd overall) – 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
7 Uganda (55th overall) – 2 medals (1 gold, 1 silver)
7 Botswana (55th overall) – 2 medals (1 gold, 1 silver)
9 Morocco (60th overall) – 2 medals (1 gold, 1 bronze)
10 Ivory Coast (84th overall) – 1 medal (1 bronze)
10 Cape Verde (84th overall) – 1 medal (1 bronze)
10 Zambia (84th overall) 1 medal (1 bronze)
