The 17-year-old outlasted Qiu Qiyuan of China and Sunisa Lee of the United States in the uneven bars final to claim Algeria's first medal in Paris.
Algerian teenager Kaylia Nemour cried tears of joy as she became the first African athlete to win an Olympic gymnastics medal with gold on the uneven bars in Paris, eclipsing several big names in the competition and recording her country's first medal at the 2024 Olympics.
The 17-year-old French athlete's spectacular routine wowed the crowd at the Bercy Arena on Sunday and helped her take the title ahead of China's Qiu Qiyuan, while American Sunisa Lee took bronze. Defending Olympic uneven bars champion Nina Derwael of Belgium finished fourth.
Nemour was under pressure after Qiyuan posted a score of 15.500 with an immaculate routine, but the rising gymnastics star outclassed the Chinese gymnast with an exceptionally difficult routine to finish with a score of 15.700.
The Algerian's quick routine, which included a series of complex release and capture maneuvers, delighted the crowd.
As soon as she landed, Nemour cried, knowing she might have done enough to earn her country's first gold in gymnastics and first medal at the Paris Olympics.
'The performance of my life'
The young gymnast was thrilled when her victory was confirmed and she wrapped herself in the Algerian flag before going up to receive the applause.
“I am so shocked, it is my lifelong dream. I can’t believe it happened, I am speechless,” Nemour said.
“In qualifying I did 15.600, when I saw 15.500 I said, I really have to fight and I gave the performance of my life,” said the Algerian.
“It’s crazy. I feel honoured to have this medal after everything that has happened. It’s a relief.”
Nemour has been competing for Algeria since last year after a dispute with the French gymnastics federation, but found plenty of support at the Bercy Arena.
He went on to represent his father's country after the French federation banned him from competing for medical reasons following a dispute.
Fans roared and jumped to their feet as soon as Nemour completed his dismount.
Belgian Derwael, champion at the Tokyo Games, finished 0.034 points off the podium.
OUR CHAMPION 🇩🇿🥇
Kaylia Nemour wins gold in the women's uneven bars to give Algeria its first medal at the #Paris2024 #Olympic Games
Algerian women continue to make us proud every day! image.twitter.com/ImWzidZ0xZ
— Algeria FC (@Algeria_FC) August 4, 2024
