two medals up for grabs – 2024-07-10 16:45:12

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games represent the 8^e edition in which Burundi has participated since 1996. More than fifty athletes have represented Burundi in different disciplines: athletics, swimming, judo… but, so far, only two medals have been won (gold and silver).

The Burundian delegation about to fly to France to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It was July 7, 2024 at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport.

Since 1996, Burundi has participated in the Summer Olympic Games (OG). Burundian athletes have been present at each edition. But this country has never participated in the Winter Olympics. Who are these Burundian athletes who represented the nation at the Olympics and who displayed an exceptional performance?

At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Burundi was represented in athletics by seven athletes including one woman, Justine Nahimana (10,000 m). During this edition, Burundi won the first gold medal in its history thanks to Venuste Niyongabo, crowned champion of the 5,000 meters.

In the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Burundi was also represented in the athletics category by six athletes including a woman, Diane Nukuri (5,000 m). During this edition, Burundian athletes did not win much. Only Aloys Nizigama was ranked 9^e over 10,000 meters.

Burundian athletes have diversified the disciplines of participation

At the 2004 Athens Olympics, female participation improved where Burundi was represented by two female athletes. In addition to this, Burundi began to diversify the sports in which its athletes participated. Like athletics, swimming was added. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there was a low participation of Burundian athletes. Only three were able to compete, including two women.

In the 2012 London Olympics, Burundi was represented by two men and four women including Francine Niyonsaba who was ranked 7th.^e In the 800m, during this edition, Burundi participated in a new discipline (judo -68 kg) like athletics and swimming.

In the Rio 2016 Olympics, Burundi won a second medal in the history of the Olympics thanks to Francine Niyonsaba who won a silver medal in the 800m. In the previous Olympics (Tokyo 2020), Burundian athletes were not aggressive even the star Miss Niyonsaba. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Burundi will be represented by seven athletes in athletics, swimming and judo.