Paris 2024: Best Para badminton moments
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were full of memorable moments, featuring incredible achievements and historic firsts, all set in beautiful venues with enthusiastic crowds.
Here are three standout moments from the badminton events that made the Games special:
Top Moment
Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history by becoming the first African, male or female, to win a badminton medal at the Olympics or Paralympics. She won the bronze medal in the SL3 category by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna. Bolaji is now a historic figure in Nigerian and African Para badminton.
Bolaji said, “I feel so good. I’ve been breaking records since 2021, and I’m continuing to do that for Africans in Para badminton. I played very well, trained hard, and I’m happy to make my dreams come true. I wanted the gold medal, but I’m still grateful for this historic achievement. I hope others in Africa will be inspired to join Para badminton now.”
Biggest Surprise
Ukrainian SL3 player Oksana Kozyna was surprised and delighted when her former teacher, Svitlana Shabalina, showed up at the Games. Svitlana had been meeting with another former student, Oleksandr Chyrkov, in Sweden, and they decided to arrange for her to attend the Games as a surprise for Oksana.
Oksana said, “I didn’t recognize her at first, but when I did, I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy to see her. I want to show everyone who cares about me, including my school and orphanage, that I’m here because of their support. Svitlana is one of the reasons I’m here today.”
Svitlana added, “There’s been a lot of emotion. I’m so proud of them.”
Home Hero
Charles Noakes won gold for France in the SH6 category by defeating Great Britain’s Krysten Coombs. Noakes won the first set 21-19 and the second set 21-13, securing gold in his first Paralympic Games.
Noakes said, “This is one of the best days of my life. It’s a dream come true. I’ve worked hard for five years, and it’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. Thanks to my family, friends, and coach, I’m here in Paris with a gold medal. I feel like Paris is my second home. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you, France, for this amazing Paralympic Games.”
