The Paris 2024 Olympic Games ended last week, leaving its global audience with mixed feelings. Some people had good things to say, while others found aspects of the closing ceremony confusing, with artistic elements that did not resonate with everyone. Despite varied reactions, there was a collective sense of relief that the Games were a success overall.
As expected, Kenya excelled in middle and long-distance races, adding to its impressive medal haul. South Africa shone in swimming and athletics, while Nigeria left without any medals. Africa's overall medal haul highlights the continent's ongoing challenges with measuring up to more dominant sporting nations.
As the Olympic Games continue to capture the world’s attention every four years, Africa’s role in the Games — particularly Summer — is evolving. From their early appearances to current trends, African countries have made significant strides in the global sporting arena. Let’s delve into the top performing countries in Africa's Olympic history, focusing on participation and success.
South Africa was the continent's first representative at the 1904 Summer Olympics. It has since appeared in 21 Summer Games, including the just concluded Paris 2024, which also handed Egypt its 23rd appearance. Interestingly, Kenya's 16 appearances as of 2024 have seen the country win 124 medals, surpassing South Africa (95), Ethiopia (62), and Egypt (41).
Here’s how the countries rank in total participation, as of Paris 2024:
Here’s how the continent’s top countries rank in cumulative team participation:
Egypt: 1,649
South Africa: 1,519
Kenya: 866
Nigeria: 865
Morocco: 667
Tunisia: 598
These countries have consistently fielded strong teams, showcasing their dedication to the Games. Notably, Egypt and South Africa stand out with significant participation numbers, highlighting their long-standing commitment to Olympic sports.
Kenya’s dominance in long-distance events has earned it the leading position in gold medals, while South Africa has shown strength across a variety of sports. Ethiopia also shines with impressive achievements in middle and long-distance running.
Olympic Medals Breakdown:
Success at the Olympics is often measured by medals won. Here’s a detailed look at Africa’s top medalists:
Kenya: 39 Gold, 44 Silver, 41 Bronze
South Africa: 28 Gold, 36 Silver, 31 Bronze
Ethiopia: 24 Gold, 15 Silver, 23 Bronze
Egypt: 9 Gold, 12 Silver, 20 Bronze
Nigeria: 3 Gold, 11 Silver, 13 Bronze
Emerging Trends
Powerhouses like Kenya and South Africa continue to lead, but other nations are also staking their claims for relevance. Morocco and Tunisia are increasingly making appearances and earning accolades. In the just-concluded Paris 2024 Summer Games, 12 African countries won medals. Kenya topped with 11 medals, followed by South Africa with 6; Ethiopia with 4; Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia each took home 3 medals.
Looking Ahead:
As the Olympics evolve, African countries are expected to continue their growth in participation and success. The rise of emerging athletes and enhanced training programmes across the continent promises an exciting future for Africa’s Olympic endeavors.
