African Women Make History at the 2024 Olympics
The 2024 Olympics are set to begin in Paris, with over 10,000 athletes from around the world gathering to compete for gold, silver, and bronze. Among them will be dozens of women from African countries, who have overcome significant social and economic challenges to reach the world stage.
For the first time in history, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has achieved full gender parity on the field of play, with female athletes making up 48% of the competitors. This milestone is a testament to the progress made by women in sports, but also highlights the challenges that still persist.
Esti Olivier, a member of South Africa’s canoe team, is one of the many African women competing in Paris. She will be competing at the Olympics for the first time after missing the Tokyo Games due to physical and mental health problems. Olivier spoke about the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport, saying that training was tough and that she often had to juggle her private life with her athletic career.
Despite these challenges, Olivier is excited to be competing in Paris and is looking forward to the experience. “It’s about keeping focus now and not being overwhelmed by the enormous atmosphere that the Olympics brings,” she said. “We still have two weeks before we compete, and I’m sure the closer I get to that, the more the nerves will kick in. But at this stage, it’s just excitement to get to Paris.”
Middle-distance runner Lilian Odira of Kenya is another African woman competing in Paris. She is 25 years old and will be competing in the 800 meters. Odira spoke about the impact that sports has had on her life, saying that it has given her confidence and allowed her to speak out against injustices.
“Sports opened so many doors for me,” she said. “It’s given me the confidence to be who I am. It’s given me the confidence to speak out against injustices that I might witness at any point in time. It’s given me the opportunity to be an absolute role model to young girls wanting to achieve something big in their lives, showing them that even with controversy in difficult times or various roles that you have to put on, it’s still possible to chase your dream. If you really put your mind to it, it’s possible.”
Kenya is sending about 20 female athletes to Paris, second only to South Africa, which is sending 24. African women won 17 medals in Tokyo three years ago and hope to collect even more in France.
The 2024 Olympics are a celebration of athletic achievement and a testament to the progress made by women in sports. Despite the challenges that still persist, African women are making history and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
