In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, Nigeria’s Bolaji secured the bronze medal in the women’s SL3 para badminton category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The 18-year-old athlete triumphed over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna with decisive set scores of 21-9, 21-9, showcasing her impressive skill and determination.
Bolaji, who was considered a strong contender for the gold, reflected on her achievement with a mix of satisfaction and somber reflection. “I feel good,” Bolaji told Radio France Internationale (RFI) after the match.
“I’m happy because at least I’m going home with a medal. I’m really pleased.” The victory was a poignant moment for the young athlete, who had been dealing with the emotional impact of a recent loss.
The athlete’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges. On Sunday, Bolaji faced a setback in the semi-finals, where she was defeated by China’s Zuxian Xiao.
Following her semi-final loss, Bolaji held up a picture of her former coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically died in a car crash in 2021.
As she prepared for the Tokyo Paralympics, the loss of her mentor weighed heavily on her. “I am dedicating the medal to him,” Bolaji said. “He will be proud of me because I’m going home with a medal.”
Bolaji’s performance in the bronze medal match was a testament to her resilience and ability to learn from past experiences. “I learned a lot from the loss,” she admitted.
“I was thinking about how to play my match today so that it would be easier for me. I was less emotional and I was calmer and much clearer about what I wanted to do.”
In the women’s SL3 category, Chinese athlete Zuxian Xiao emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal with a 22-14, 22-20 win over Indonesia’s top seed, Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh.
In other para badminton news, the French duo of Lukas Mazur and Justine Noel achieved a bronze medal in the mixed doubles SL3/SU5 category.
They defeated the Indonesian pair, Siripong Teamarrom and Nipada Seansupa, with scores of 21-14, 21-16.
Mazur, who will defend his SL4 title on Monday, faces a rematch with India’s top seed, Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj. This match will be a reprise of their Paralympic encounter three years ago in Tokyo.
Bolaji’s achievement highlights the spirit of perseverance and the impact of personal dedication in the world of para sports.
As she returns home with her medal, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the personal sacrifices and triumphs that define the Paralympic movement.
