Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-15 20:02:14
The Olympic Games are a global phenomenon that transcends mere athleticism, embodying values of innovation, creativity, fair play, and sporting excellence. As one of the biggest sporting events worldwide, the Olympics bring together athletes from around the globe to compete in a wide range of sports every four years.
Originating in Athens, Greece in 1896, the modern Olympics have evolved to include both a summer and winter edition, with athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Olympic Refugee Team participating in a variety of disciplines. The African continent has also seen its fair share of Olympic champions, from legendary figures like Haile Gebrselassie to rising stars like Chad Le Clos.
While sports like athletics and swimming have traditionally seen strong African representation at the Olympics, lesser-known sports are also gaining traction on the continent. In anticipation of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, The Culture Custodian has identified four such sports and the African athletes making their mark in them.
Fencing, for example, is a centuries-old sport that involves swordplay between two athletes aiming to score points. South African fencer Sello Maduma represented Africa in fencing at previous Olympics, while German-born Alexandra Ndolo has switched her allegiance to Kenya and achieved success on the international stage. Canoeing and archery are also gaining popularity in Africa, with athletes like Ayomide Emmanuel Bello and the recurve mixed team from Chad making strides in their respective sports.
Even sports like curling, typically associated with colder climates, are seeing African representation. The Nigerian curling team, known as the Broomzillas, made history by becoming the first African team to compete in the Youth Olympic Games. Despite facing challenges in securing funding for their participation, the Broomzillas are paving the way for African athletes in the world of curling.
As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, African athletes are gearing up to showcase their talent and represent their countries on the global stage. With a diverse range of sports and athletes participating, the Olympics truly symbolize the spirit of unity, competition, and sportsmanship that brings the world together every four years.
Read the original article on The Standard
