Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old Nigerian athlete, made history as the first African to win a Paralympic badminton medal, dedicating her groundbreaking bronze at the Paris 2024 Games to her late coach while inspiring others across the continent.
Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old Nigerian athlete, has etched her name in history as the first African to win a Paralympic medal in badminton. Competing in the Women’s Para-Badminton SL3 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Mariam secured a bronze medal, a monumental achievement that sets a new milestone for Africa in the sport.
With this groundbreaking victory, Mariam becomes the first African—male or female—to earn a badminton medal at either the Olympics or Paralympics, according to the Paralympic Committee.
Reflecting on her historic win, Mariam expressed both joy and determination:
“I have been breaking records since 2021, and I will continue to do so for Africans in Para badminton.”
Mariam’s journey to this achievement has been deeply personal and marked by resilience. Initially a Para table tennis player, she transitioned to badminton under the guidance of her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji. His tragic passing in a traffic accident in 2021 motivated Mariam to honor his legacy through her achievements.
“This medal is dedicated to him. He would be very, very happy and would be saying, ‘I’m proud of you,’” Mariam shared, paying tribute to her coach’s lasting influence on her career.
Mariam hopes her success will inspire other Africans to embrace Para badminton and strive for excellence in the sport. Sharing her excitement on social media, she said:
“I look forward to the challenges ahead, approaching them with great determination and perseverance.”
Her historic win has not only elevated her career but has also ignited hope and inspiration for athletes across the African continent.
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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION
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