Kaylia Nemour of Algeria became the first African gymnast to win an Olympic medal when she won gold on the asymmetric bars at the Paris Games on Sunday. The 17-year-old enthralled the Bercy Arena audience with her fast-paced routine, which included intricate release-and-catch manoeuvres. Nemour, who formerly represented France, scored 15.700 points, giving Algeria its first medal at the Paris Olympics.
Qiu Qiyuan of China, the 2023 world champion, won silver with 15.500 points, while American Sunisa Lee grabbed bronze with 14.800 points. Rebecca Downie, a British gymnast, finished eighth after falling during her performance.
Fans erupted in shouts as Nemour finished her dismount, bringing her to tears of joy. “I can’t believe this has happened,” she exclaimed, still in shock after winning her first major global tournament. The Algerian Olympic Committee praised her as a legend, describing her triumph as a demonstration of Algeria’s strength and resolve.
Men’s events saw Carlos Edriel Yulo of the Philippines win his second gold medal in the vault, while China’s Liu Yang defended his Olympic crown in the rings. Simone Biles will compete in the final gymnastics events in Paris, hoping to add two more gold medals to her amazing total.
