Kenya, Ethiopia, and 10 of the most successful African countries at the Olympics as Paris 2024 approaches

• The commencement of the 33rd edition of the Olympic games is upon us with the city of Paris set to host the rest of the world
• A flurry of African nations have experienced varying levels of success at the world's foremost multi-sport events
• Legit.ng shines the spotlight on a list of the most successful African nations in the storied history of the Summer Olympic games

The stage is set, the flame is lit, and Paris is ready to welcome the world for the 2024 Olympic Games, marking exactly 100 years since the city first hosted the event.

The Summer Olympics have a rich history of delivering thrilling moments and remarkable performances, with athletes from around the globe making their mark across various sports.

African nations have been a significant part of this history, with many achieving remarkable success. Notably, the Nigerian men's football team made headlines at the Atlanta Olympics by becoming the first African team to win a gold medal in football.

Nigerian players celebrate their 3-2 victory over Argentina in the men's final of the 1996 Olympics at the Citrus Bowl · Legion Field stadium in Atalanta, USA. Image: by Jerome Prevost.
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria's triumph in the United States is just one highlight of Africa's contributions to the Olympics. The continent has consistently responded to the call of the Games with impressive performances.

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According to data from Olympedia, African countries have amassed a total of 286 medals since 1956. Kenya leads with 86 medals, primarily in athletics, followed by Ethiopia with 45, also in athletics, and South Africa with 32 medals, predominantly in swimming.

As the Paris Games approach, Legit.ng is spotlighting the top 10 most successful African countries in Olympic history.

Most successful African countries at the Olympics

Below is a list of 10 of the most successful African countries at the Summer Olympic Games:

*Data courtesy of Olympedia.com

Africa's participation at the Olympics

Africa’s involvement in the Olympic Games began in 1904, when South African athletes Len Tau and Jan Mashiani competed as marathon runners at the Summer Olympics in St. Louis, USA.

While African nations earned several medals during the colonial era (1904-1956), it wasn’t until the Melbourne Games in 1956 that a broader representation of African countries, including those under protectorates like Kenya, made their Olympic debut. Since then, African Olympic stars have consistently become sources of national pride at the Games.

Tobi Amusan named Nigeria's flag bearer

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) have confirmed that athletics star Tobi Amusan will be the country's flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Amusan will leave Team Nigeria's contingent out for the customary walk during the opening ceremony of the 2024 games.

Team Nigeria will participate in 11 events, including women's football, where the Super Falcons will open their campaign against Brazil on July 25.

Source: TUKO.co.ke