Paris — Kaylia Nemour has etched her name into Olympic history by securing Algeria’s first gymnastics title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Competing at the Bercy Arena on August 4th, Nemour delivered an exceptional performance on the uneven bars, scoring 15.700 to clinch the gold medal.
Historical Achievement
Nemour’s gold medal marks a monumental milestone for Algerian sports. She is the first gymnast from Algeria and the entire African continent to win an Olympic gymnastics title, joining the ranks of Algeria’s six Olympic champions. Her victory is a significant achievement not only for her country but for African gymnastics as a whole.
Medal Standings
Gold: Kaylia Nemour (Algeria) – 15.700
Silver: Qiu Qiyuan (China) – 15.600
Bronze: Suni Lee (USA) – 14.800
Nemour’s Journey to Gold
Nemour, born in France and representing Algeria, performed a flawless routine on the uneven bars. Her score of 15.700 narrowly edged out Qiu Qiyuan, the reigning world champion from China, who scored 15.600. Two-time Olympic all-around medallist Suni Lee from the USA secured the bronze with a score of 14.800.
“It really is my lifelong dream,” Nemour told Olympics.com. “It’s been a goal since 2020. Even I had my doubts before I stepped on the bar; I told myself it wasn’t possible that I’d be Olympic champion. And I passed, it was incredible.”
A Year of Triumph
Nemour’s 2024 season has been extraordinary, marked by World Cup victories and impressive scores at events in Cottbus, Doha, and Baku. Her consistent performances throughout the year had already positioned her as a favorite for gold in Paris.
A year prior, Nemour made headlines by winning a silver medal on the uneven bars at the World Gymnastics Championships, becoming the first African gymnast to medal at the World Championships. Her Olympic victory further solidifies her status as one of the sport’s top athletes.
Emotional Moments
The atmosphere at Bercy Arena was electric as Nemour landed her dismount—a perfectly executed double layout. Overcome with emotion, she was greeted with warmth and congratulations from her fellow competitors. Qiu Qiyuan embraced Nemour as her score was announced, and Suni Lee also extended her congratulations, expressing her happiness for all the competitors.
“Everyone did incredible. It was super cool to just see them because I think only we can really understand all the work that we put in,” Lee said. “So seeing all of them go up there and do everything that they were supposed to do after watching them in practice, this is just super cool and I’m so happy for everyone.”
Nemour’s victory is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and resilience, and it marks a historic moment in Olympic gymnastics.
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