The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a colorful closing ceremony after more than two weeks of exhilarating sporting action. The Games witnessed a historic moment as four nations celebrated their first-ever Olympic gold medals.
Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 100 meters, smashing the national record with a time of 10.72 seconds. She edged out the USA’s world champion Sha’Carri Richardson for the gold, marking a significant victory for the island nation. Alfred’s margin of victory, 0.15 seconds, was the largest in the Olympic 100m since 2008, highlighting her dominance. Her top speed of 41.04 kmph surpassed all other finalists, with Richardson coming closest at 40.52kmph. Alfred also went on to win silver in the women’s 200 meters.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo etched his name in history by becoming the first African to win the men’s Olympic 200 meters title. Tebogo, who previously set a national record of 9.86 seconds in the 100m final, showcased his power in the final 50 meters of the 200m race. He crossed the finish line in 19.46 seconds, securing Botswana’s first Olympic gold and becoming the fifth-fastest man in history over 200m. Tebogo also contributed to Botswana’s silver medal in the 4×400 relay.
Thea LaFond of Dominica made history for her Caribbean island nation by winning gold in the triple jump, claiming Dominica’s first-ever Olympic medal. LaFond’s second attempt of 15.02 meters, a world best this year, proved unbeatable. The challenging rain conditions added another layer of difficulty to the event.
Guatemala’s Adriana Ruano Oliva created a landmark moment for her country by winning the women’s trap event. Oliva’s impressive score of 45 out of 50 targets set a new Games record, securing Guatemala’s first-ever Olympic gold in any sport. Her victory further cemented her position as a rising star in the shooting world.
These four remarkable athletes and their victories will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes in their respective countries. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence on the global stage.
