Pushing the limit: women Olympians in Paris

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with an equal number of men and women competing for the first time, has become the stage for numerous talented female athletes. They have broken records and achieved milestones. Here are those who have stood out, demonstrating their power, perseverance, and faith in sports.

Georgina Brayshaw (Great Britain, Rowing)

Brayshaw was paralyzed on her left side and told she might never walk again after a life-threatening head injury from a horse-riding accident at 15. Yet she was able to get involved in the GB Rowing Olympic talent program during university and defied all odds to win, together with her teammates, women’s quadruple sculls gold in a photo finish ahead of the Netherlands.

(From R) Gold medallists Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Georgina Brayshaw celebrate on the podium after winning. Photos by SD-Agencies

“It was all about belief and trust in what people behind me were saying, and they told me that we could do it, and so I just kept going,” she said.

Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia, Athletics)

Alfred won the country’s first Olympic medal after taking the women’s 100m gold and then added a silver in the 200m race. “I’m going to start crying. I’ve been trying to stay strong as much as possible. It means a lot to me, my coach, my country, which I’m sure is celebrating now,” said an emotional Alfred after her 100m victory in 10.72 seconds.

Julien Alfred (C) of Saint Lucia celebrates after crossing the line to win gold ahead of silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson and bronze medalist Melissa Jefferson.

“Growing up, I used to be on the field struggling, with no shoes, running barefoot, running in my school uniform, running all over the place. We barely have the right facilities. The stadium is not fixed. I hope this gold medal will help St. Lucia build a new stadium, to help the sport grow.”

Zheng Qinwen (China, Tennis)

China’s tennis ace Zheng made history at Roland Garros as she defeated Donna Vekic of Croatia in straight sets to become the first Asian to win the Olympic women’s singles gold medal.

Zheng Qinwen celebrates after winning the tennis women’s singles gold.

“I felt like I represented all of Chinese tennis, and winning the gold made all the hard work and struggles worthwhile,” she said.

“Achieving dreams requires setting goals, but the journey will have its hardships, doubts, and sacrifices. Enjoy the process because every failure is a step toward success.”

Nino Salukvadze (Georgia, Shooting)

Salukvadze competed in her 10th Olympics in women’s 25m pistol, becoming the first female athlete to reach this milestone. Winning a gold and silver in her Olympic debut in Seoul in 1988, She has had a four-decade career, and the sports have not only brought her glory, but love and friendship. “Forty years. It’s almost a lifetime. But it’s been a wonderful journey. I have made many friends from every country. This is the most important aspect of attending the Olympics,” she said.

Yaylagul Ramazanova (Uzbekistan, Archery); Nada Hafez (Egypt, Fencing)

Ramazanova and Hafez made headlines as they competed while pregnant; six-and-a-half months for Ramazanova, and seven months for Hafez.

Yaylagul Ramazanova of Azerbaijan during the elimination round competition in women’s individual archery.

Ramazanova ousted China’s An Qixuan in the 1/32 elimination round through a shoot-off, where she won 10 to 9. “I felt my baby kick me before I shot this arrow and then I shot a 10,” the 34-year-old recalled with a smile.

Simone Biles (United States, Gymnastics)

After stepping away from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to mental health concerns and facing harsh criticism afterwards, Biles made a powerful comeback in Paris, capturing three golds in the individual all-around, vault and team events and one silver in floor exercise.

Simone Biles during women’s balance beam final.

Biles had a message for girls who want to follow her footsteps: “Just go for it. Make sure you’re having fun and you can accomplish big things. As long as you’re mentally and physically in tune, you can do whatever you dream of.”

Liu Hong (China, Athletics)

Having won a complete set of Olympic medals, Liu came to Paris for her fifth Olympics as the eldest Chinese athlete. She confessed she had thought about calling it quits after every one of her five Games, but the passion for the sport kept her going all the way, especially after giving birth to her daughter in 2018.

Asked if she would be there for LA 2028, the 37-year-old replied: “I can’t give an answer yet, but I know it will be difficult.” (Xinhua)