African countries with the most Olympic medals

Kenyan Athletes (Photo: Olympics)

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As the Paris 2024 Olympics approaches, African nations are gearing up for their chance to shine on the global stage. With a combined total of 987 attempts to add another Olympic medal to their collections, these countries are aiming to enhance their historical performances.

According to the official records of the Olympic Games, the United States has won the most Olympic medals throughout the history of the Games.

Meanwhile, Kenya is the African country with the most medals by far since the modern-day Olympics began in 1896. Counting only the Summer Games, Kenya has a grand total of 113 medals.

ALSO READ : AFRICAN DELEGATION AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS

Here’s a look at the top African countries with the most Olympic medals, ranked from highest to lowest:

1. Kenya (KEN)

• Total Medals: 113

• Gold: 35

• Silver: 42

• Bronze: 36

Kenya leads the African medal count with a significant margin. Known for its prowess in long-distance running, Kenya has a strong tradition of success in the Summer Games.

2. South Africa (RSA)

• Total Medals: 89

• Gold: 27

• Silver: 33

• Bronze: 29

South Africa has made notable contributions across various sports, from swimming to athletics, cementing its place as a powerhouse in African sports.

3. Ethiopia (ETH)

• Total Medals: 58

• Gold: 23

• Silver: 12

• Bronze: 23

Ethiopia, like Kenya, excels in long-distance events and has a rich history of Olympic success.

4. Egypt (EGY)

• Total Medals: 38

• Gold: 8

• Silver: 11

• Bronze: 19

Egypt has consistently performed well in weightlifting, wrestling, and modern pentathlon.

5. Morocco (MAR)

• Total Medals: 24

• Gold: 7

• Silver: 5

• Bronze: 12

Morocco’s achievements span athletics and boxing, making it a significant competitor in the African Olympic landscape.

6. Nigeria (NGR)

• Total Medals: 27

• Gold: 3

• Silver: 11

• Bronze: 13

Nigeria has a diverse sports portfolio, excelling in athletics, football, and other disciplines.

7. Algeria (ALG)

• Total Medals: 17

• Gold: 5

• Silver: 4

• Bronze: 8

Algeria has made its mark mainly in athletics and judo.

8. Tunisia (TUN)

• Total Medals: 15

• Gold: 5

• Silver: 3

• Bronze: 7

Tunisia’s success is predominantly seen in swimming and athletics.

9. Uganda (UGA)

• Total Medals: 11

• Gold: 4

• Silver: 4

• Bronze: 3

Uganda has achieved notable success in long-distance running.

10. Zimbabwe (ZIM)

• Total Medals: 8

• Gold: 3

• Silver: 4

• Bronze: 1

Zimbabwe’s contributions include successes in swimming and athletics.

ALSO READ : AFRICAN DELEGATION AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS

FAQs

Q: Which African country has won the most Olympic medals?
A: Kenya holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by an African country, with a total of 113 medals.

Q: How many Olympic medals has South Africa won?
A: South Africa has won 89 Olympic medals.

Q: What are the top sports contributing to Kenya's Olympic medals?
A: Kenya’s Olympic success is largely attributed to its long-distance runners.

Q: Which African country has the highest number of gold medals?
A: Kenya leads with 35 gold medals, followed by Ethiopia with 23 gold medals.

Q: How many African countries have won only one Olympic medal?
A: Several African countries, including Gabon, Senegal, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Eritrea, Mauritius, and Togo, have each won just one Olympic medal.

List of African Olympic medalists

1. Kenya (KEN) - 113 Medals (35 Gold, 42 Silver, 36 Bronze)

2. South Africa (RSA) - 89 Medals (27 Gold, 33 Silver, 29 Bronze)

3. Ethiopia (ETH) - 58 Medals (23 Gold, 12 Silver, 23 Bronze)

4. Egypt (EGY) - 38 Medals (8 Gold, 11 Silver, 19 Bronze)

5. Morocco (MAR) - 24 Medals (7 Gold, 5 Silver, 12 Bronze)

6. Algeria (ALG) - 17 Medals (5 Gold, 4 Silver, 8 Bronze)

7. Tunisia (TUN) - 15 Medals (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 7 Bronze)

8. Uganda (UGA) - 11 Medals (4 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)

9. Nigeria (NGR) - 27 Medals (3 Gold, 11 Silver, 13 Bronze)

10. Zimbabwe (ZIM) - 8 Medals (3 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze)

11. Cameroon (CMR) - 6 Medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)

12. Ivory Coast (CIV) - 4 Medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)

13. Burundi (BDI) - 2 Medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze)

14. Mozambique (MOZ) - 2 Medals (1 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

15. Namibia (NAM) - 5 Medals (0 Gold, 5 Silver, 0 Bronze)

16. Tanzania (TAN) - 2 Medals (0 Gold, 2 Silver, 0 Bronze)

17. Ghana (GHA) - 5 Medals (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze)

18. Botswana (BOT) - 2 Medals (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)

19. Niger (NIG) - 2 Medals (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)

20. Zambia (ZAM) - 2 Medals (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)

21. Gabon (GAB) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze)

22. Senegal (SEN) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze)

23. Sudan (SUD) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze)

24. Burkina Faso (BUR) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

25. Djibouti (DJI) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

26. Eritrea (ERI) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

27. Mauritius (MRI) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

28. Togo (TOG) - 1 Medal (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

Total Medals: 440

ALSO READ : AFRICAN DELEGATION AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS

With these rankings, African nations are set to make their mark in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The competition promises to be thrilling as these countries vie for new victories and continue their Olympic legacies.

Top African countries with the most Olympic medals