The 2024 Olympics in Paris bid its final farewell last night, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage, particularly for Arab athletes. This season, the region’s sportswomen and men didn’t just show up—they commanded attention, earning a remarkable 17 medals across seven nations: Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Algeria.
Bahrain emerged as the leader, capturing four major medals—two gold, one silver, and one bronze—while Algeria closely followed with three medals, including two golds. Egypt and Tunisia, not to be outdone, tied for third, each securing a gold, silver, and bronze. Morocco added to the region’s triumph with three medals, Jordan took home a silver, and Qatar wrapped up the tally with a bronze.
Medals, more than a mere measure of athletic prowess, are also symbols of resilience, especially in a year where the games were marred by controversy. Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, was at the center of an unjust scrutiny over her biology, triggering a wave of discourse around women with racist, transphobic, and sexist overtones. Yet, Khelif stood firm, silencing critics with her gold medal and a statement that transcended sport: “I sent them a message with this gold medal, and I say my dignity has been restored, and my honor is above anything else.”
France-born Algerian gymnast Kaylia Nemour also made history, becoming the first African gold medalist in gymnastics. Her triumph was particularly poignant given her earlier conflict with the French gymnastics federation, which led her to compete for Algeria.
Tunisia’s Firas Katoussi, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, and Egypt’s Ahmed Elgendy also delivered performances that will be remembered. Katoussi dominated the 80kg taekwondo, El Bakkali proved unbeatable in the 3,000m steeplechase, and Elgendy set a new world record in the modern pentathlon, becoming the first African and Egyptian to claim Olympic gold in the event.
As the Olympic flame dims, the achievements of these athletes burn brighter than ever, reminding the world that Arab excellence is a legacy. Congratulations to all who competed and made their nations proud.
Below, a complete list of all the Olympics winners from the region.
Gold medal winners
Soufiane El Bakkali (MOR) – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase Athletics
Firas Katoussi (TUN) – Men’s Taekwondo 80kg
Ahmed Elgendy (EGY) – Men’s Modern Pentathlon
Akhmed Tazhudinov (BAH) – Men’s Wrestling 97kg
Winfred Yavi (BAH) – Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase Athletics
Kaylia Nemour (ALG) – Women’s Uneven Bars Gymnastics
Imane Khelif (ALG) – Women’s Welterweight Boxing
Silver medal winners
Fares Ferjani (TUN) – Men’s Individual Sabre·Fencing
Salwa Eid Naser (BAH) – Women’s 400m Athletics
Zaid Kareem (JOR) – Men’s Taekwondo 68kg
Sara Ahmad (EGY) – Women’s Weightlifting 81kg
Bronze medal winners
Morocco – Men’s Football
Mohamed El-Sayed (EGY) – Men’s Fencing épée
Gor Minasyan (BAH) – Men’s Weightlifting Superheaviweight
Mutaz Barshim (QAT) – Men’s High Jump Athletics
Djamel Sedjati (ALG) – Men’s 800m Athletics
Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi (TUN) – Men’s Taekwondo 58kg
