ALGIERS, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Algeria's Kaylia Nemour made history by winning gold in the uneven bars at the Paris Olympics, marking the first time Algeria, the Arab world, and Africa have claimed gold in gymnastics.
At just 17, Nemour dazzled on her Olympic debut, solidifying her dominance in her specialty, the uneven bars. She had first showcased her talent at last year's African Championship, where she executed a groundbreaking move on the apparatus that now bears her name.
Nemour clinched the gold with a score of 15.700 points last Sunday, edging out China's Qiu Qiyuan, who took silver with 15.500 points, and America's Sunisa Lee, who earned the bronze with 14.800 points.
"I am incredibly happy to win this medal, it's hard to believe. I'm proud to dedicate this first gold medal to Algeria and Africa," said Nemour.
Nemour also expressed her strong support for her compatriot Imane Khelif, who has advanced to Friday's final of the women's 66kg boxing event.
Nemour's coach, Marc Chirilcenco, credited their success to meticulous preparation. "We worked hard to ensure Kaylia's training was optimal, and we were able to train abroad thanks to the Algerian Federation, which provided us with all the necessary resources," Chirilcenco said.
With this victory and her groundbreaking performance at Paris 2024, Nemour has opened the door to further success in major international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she will aim to maintain her dominance.
This victory marks not only the first gold medal in the history of Algerian, Arab, and African gymnastics, but also Algeria's first Olympic gold since London 2012, and only the sixth in its history. It also makes Nemour the third female Algerian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, following in the footsteps of Hassiba Boulmerka (Barcelona 1992) and Nouria Merah-Benida (Sydney 2000).
Walid Merzougui, a sports journalist for Radio Algiers International, hailed Nemour's achievement as not only historic but also a restoration of honor for Algeria.
"At just 17, Kaylia Nemour has made history as the first Arab and African gymnast to win gold. Her triumph is a powerful statement, especially after the challenges she faced following her decision to change her sports nationality to represent Algeria, her father's homeland. She is truly a golden girl, repaying her country by raising its flag on the podium as the national anthem echoed through the arena in Paris."
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulated Nemour in a phone call, stating that her achievement had brought great honor to the nation.
