Nigerian athlete Mariam Eniola Bolaji made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning the first-ever badminton medal for Africa. The 18-year-old secured a bronze medal in the women’s Para badminton SL3 competition, marking a milestone for both Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Nigerian Teen Breaks Barriers in Paralympic Badminton
Bolaji’s victory came after a hard-fought match against Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna. The young star expressed her joy to the International Paralympic Committee, saying, “I feel so good, so nice. I’ve been breaking records since 2021 and I’m continuing to do that for Africans in Para badminton.”
Her achievement is even more remarkable given that she was one of only two African badminton players in the competition. Despite this, Bolaji felt overwhelming support throughout the event.
From Table Tennis to Paralympic Success
Bolaji’s journey to Paralympic success began with a switch from table tennis to badminton. Her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, introduced her to the sport in 2018. “It was a new sport in Nigeria and I enjoyed it straight away,” Bolaji recalled.
Tragically, Oyebanji died in a traffic accident in 2021 while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. His memory, however, has been a driving force behind her achievements.
Overcoming Challenges to Make History
Bolaji’s path to the podium wasn’t without obstacles. She revealed that she had been dealing with a painful ankle injury just a month before the Paralympics. “I’ve been training and playing with it. Now I need to get treatment for it and come back strong,” she explained.
Despite the discomfort, Bolaji persevered, turning her dreams into reality. “I wanted the gold medal, but I still thank God for making me make history,” she said.
Inspiring a New Generation of African Athletes
Bolaji’s historic win is more than just a personal triumph. She hopes her success will inspire a new wave of African athletes to take up Para badminton and excel at the Paralympic level.
“I’ve been thinking about these Paralympics since Tokyo 2020,” Bolaji shared. Her dedication and perseverance have paid off, paving the way for future generations of African Paralympians.
