Algerian teenager Kaylia Nemour delivered an extraordinary performance to become the first African to win an Olympic gymnastics medal, securing gold on the uneven bars on Sunday.
The 17-year-old, who was born in France, triumphed over China’s Qiu Qiyuan, the reigning world champion, with American Sunisa Lee taking bronze. Defending champion Nina Derwael of Belgium came in fourth.
“I’m in complete shock. This has been my lifelong dream. I can’t believe I am the Olympic champion. I’m at a loss for words,” said Nemour. “Achieving this has been my ultimate goal, the result of years of hard work and attention to detail. Winning this medal is an honor for both me and Algeria.”
Nemour’s impressive, high-flying routine earned her a career-best score of 15.700, pushing the 17-year-old Qiu into the silver medal position with a score of 15.500. “During qualifying, I scored 15.600. When I saw her 15.500, I knew I had to give it my all and deliver the performance of my life,” Nemour said. “It’s unbelievable. I’m so honored to have this medal after everything, it’s such a relief.”
Nemour began representing her father’s country two years ago after the French federation barred her from competing due to a medical dispute. A growth spurt of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) at age 13 led to a bone issue that required surgery on both knees.
Following a lengthy legal battle, Nemour was excluded from the French team and began competing for Algeria at the World Championships last October, and now at the Olympic Games in Paris. “Winning this medal for Algeria makes me incredibly happy. I hope I’ve made them proud,” she said. “It has been an intense journey, but right now, I’m just glad I performed well and secured the gold.”
Nemour was the favorite to win in the absence of US gymnastics star Simone Biles, who did not qualify for the uneven bars final. Competing last, Lee took bronze, pushing Derwael, a former two-time world champion returning after surgery, to fourth place. “Seeing the others perform so well really motivated me to deliver a strong routine,” said Lee, 21. “And that’s exactly what I did.”
Lee’s routine earned her 14.800 points and her third medal in Paris, adding to her team gold and all-around bronze. Qiu expressed some regret about missing out on gold. “Kaylia was outstanding today,” she said. “Her movements were incredibly smooth. Her routine was flawless. She outdid her previous performances.”
