In a stunning display of skill and determination, 17-year-old Kaylia Nemour made history on Sunday, August 4th, by becoming the first African to win an Olympic medal in women’s artistic gymnastics on the uneven bars.
Nemour clinched the gold medal in a thrilling final, narrowly defeating China’s Qiu Qiyuan with a score of 15.7, the highest score across all events in the meet. This victory not only marked Algeria’s first Olympic gold in gymnastics but also its sixth overall since the nation began participating in the Games in Tokyo in 1964.
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The young gymnast, born in Saint-Benoit-la-Foret, France, to an Algerian father and French mother, initially competed for France. However, a dispute with the French gymnastics federation and her club, Avoine Beaumont, led her to switch allegiances and represent Algeria, honoring her father’s heritage.
“I’m thrilled to have won this medal. It hasn’t fully hit me yet, but I believe it will as time passes,” Nemour said. “I take great pride in bringing this gold medal home for Algeria and Africa; it’s truly amazing.”
Nemour’s decision to represent Algeria sparked controversy in her native France, but she remained resolute. “This medal is for me and for Algeria. I represent Algeria now, France is behind me, I have turned the page,” she remarked.
Her coach, Marc Tcherlinko, praised her achievement, drawing a parallel with legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci. “Nadia is always in our hearts. Kaylia has a bit of Nadia in her; this medal signifies more than just victory. It reflects her inner journey and today stands for Algeria and its federation. This is her hard work, and it ties her to her father’s heritage,” Tcherlinko said.
