September 02, (THEWILL) – Mariam Eniola Bolaji has added another significant achievement to her growing list of accolades. Competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Bolaji claimed a bronze medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 event.
This historic win was sealed with a dominant 21-9, 21-9 victory over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna, marking the first time an African athlete has won a medal in para badminton at the Paralympics.
Bolaji’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for her determination and skill, she has consistently proven herself on both the African and international stages. Earlier in 2023, Bolaji claimed three gold medals at the Africa Para Badminton Championships in Kampala, Uganda, sweeping the SL3 women’s singles, the mixed doubles (SL3-SU5), and the women’s doubles (SL3-SU5) events.
This bronze medal win at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to Bolaji’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite facing tough competition, she emerged victorious against a higher-ranked opponent, showing the growth of Nigerian and African para sports on the global stage. The Nigerian government and sporting bodies have lauded her achievement, recognising the significance of her victory for both the country and the continent.
Bolaji’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes, particularly within para sports, which has been steadily gaining recognition in Nigeria. Her achievements have highlighted the need for increased support and investment in para sports to nurture more talents like her.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
