Algerian athlete Kaylia Nemour has once again proven her mettle as she was voted the best Algerian female athlete for 2024, marking her second consecutive win of this prestigious accolade. The award, part of the "Brahim Dahmani" poll conducted by the Algerian Press Service (APS), was revealed during a grand ceremony held on Sunday night at the Ecole Supérieure d'Hôtellerie et Restauration (ESHRA) in Algiers.
Nemour, 18, edged out fellow Olympic champion Imane Khelif by just five points, accumulating 117 points compared to Khelif's 112. Both athletes had made headlines during the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games, where Nemour secured gold on the uneven bars, achieving an impressive score of 15.700 points on August 4th. A few days later, on August 9th, Khelif followed suit by clinching her own gold medal in boxing, defeating China’s Yang Liu.
Despite their legendary performances, Khelif faced unprecedented attacks on her character due to her gender, subjected to allegations of being transgender by prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Nevertheless, her accomplishments have significantly contributed to the visibility of women's sports within Algeria, something Nemour acknowledged during her acceptance speech.
“I am once again grateful to those who initiated this poll; I am sure the choice was difficult for the national press between two Olympic champions,” Nemour remarked, highlighting the positive impact of this recognition on female athletes in Algeria. “But, eventually, it’s the Algerian women’s sports scene which wins this evening.”
Kaylia Nemour’s accolades go beyond this national recognition. Following her Olympic success, she was also named the best Arab athlete of 2024 at a ceremony held last November in the United Arab Emirates. Only days later, she was presented with the National Order of Merit by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underscoring her importance to Algerian sports.
The competition for the title of best Algerian female athlete was not just between Nemour and Khelif; Carole Bouzidi, who excelled at canoeing, rounded out the podium with 45 points. The close nature of the awards serves as recognition of the burgeoning talent across diverse sports disciplines within Algeria.
Kaylia Nemour, canonized as the first Olympic gold medalist for Algeria and Africa in gymnastics, emphasized the significance of her achievements. “It’s another recognition for athletes who can propel us to achieve even greater accolades at the highest levels,” she said, expressing her commitment to continue paving the way for future generations of athletes.
Djamel Sedjati was crowned the best Algerian male athlete of the year, earning the title due to his bronze medal performance at the Olympics on the 800m, as well as consistent showings throughout the year, including finishing second at the Diamond League finals. His accomplishments, coupled with those of female athletes like Nemour and Khelif, exemplify the talent present within Algeria's athletic community.
This year's achievements at the Paris Olympics were significant for Algeria, with the country securing three medals. Besides Nemour and Khelif's gold medals, the bronze captured by Sedjati adds to the pride of a nation celebrating its female athletes. The close competition between Nemour and Khelif reflects the depth of talent within the Algerian sports scene, pointing toward a promising future.
Reflecting on the events, it’s clear the recognition of these athletes not only serves to celebrate their individual successes but also highlights the advancements and struggles within women’s sports. The commitment to progress and empowerment within this sector is echoed by Nemour. “Nothing compares to the acknowledgment from your own country,” she stated, indicating the personal joy derived from local recognition as opposed to international accolades.
The future seems bright for these female athletes as they continue to inspire and uplift the standards of women’s sports within Algeria and beyond. With aspirations for future competitions, including upcoming international meets and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Kaylia Nemour's ambitions echo the collective desire of her peers and successors.
