Mariam Eniola Bolaji Becomes the First African Athlete to Win a Paralympic Medal in Badminton

History was made at the Paralympics!

At the Paris 2024 Paralympics on Monday, Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s Para badminton SL3. At just 18 years old, Bolaji became the first African, male or female, to secure a badminton medal at either the Olympics or Paralympics, the Paralympics reports.

Reflecting on her achievement, Bolaji expressed her joy, saying, “I’ve been breaking records since 2021 and I’m continuing to do that for Africans in Para badminton,” she said.

Today, I became the FIRST African athlete to win a Paralympic medal in badminton 🏸

I look forward to the challenges ahead, approaching them with great determination and perseverance.…✨💨

Thanks pic.twitter.com/MEbwZIh0iv

— Bolaji Eniola Mariam (@BolajiEniola9) September 2, 2024

Originally a Para table tennis player, Bolaji was inspired to switch to badminton by her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who passed away in a traffic accident in 2021. She says his encouragement and training have been a driving force in her career. “The medal is dedicated to him. He would be very, very happy and would be saying ‘I’m proud of you,” Bolaji said. She hopes her success will motivate others in Africa to take up Para badminton.

Congratulations, Mariam!🏅

Cover photo: Mariam Eniola Bolaji Becomes the First African Athlete to Win a Paralympic Medal in Badminton / Photo Credit: BolajiEniola9 / X