Samukonga wins Zambia its third Olympic Medal

Athlete Muzala Samukonga has won Zambia’s third ever Olympic Medal at the Paris 2024 games having finished third in the Men’s 400m final.

Samukonga completed the race in 43.74 seconds, setting a new personal best and national record.

In a statement posted on Facebook, President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated the athlete on his “outstanding achievement”.

“By competing against the world’s finest athletes in the most esteemed global sporting event, Muzala has elevated our national flag and brought immense pride to his motherland,” the President added.

Samukonga has made history as the country’s second Olympic Medal in athletics, following Samuel Matete’s silver in the men’s 400m hurdles in 1996.

Twelve years previously, Zambian boxer Keith Mwila won the country’s first ever medal, bronze, in the light flyweight category.

This year, Zambia has sent 27 athletes to Paris for the games to compete in five sports, including athletics, football and boxing.

Image: FAZ