Ahmed Elgendy Makes History with Egypt's First Olympic Gold

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Egyptian athlete Ahmed Elgendy has made Olympic history by winning the first-ever Modern Pentathlon gold medal for both his country and the African continent at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

This monumental victory came after a flawless performance across all five events, culminating in a world-record score of 1,555 points.

The 24-year-old athlete, who previously won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, overcame significant challenges leading up to the Paris Games, including a persistent shoulder injury. Despite nearly falling from his horse during the semifinals, Elgendy delivered a faultless show-jumping performance in the final, which set the stage for his dominant 17-second lead in the laser run—a combination of distance running and shooting.

“I was in doubt and under stress, under pressure,” Elgendy shared after his victory. “But we planned carefully after yesterday’s riding, and we corrected the mistakes.”

Elgendy’s lead in the laser run remained unchallenged, as he crossed the finish line 13 seconds ahead of Japan’s Taishu Sato, who took silver, while Italy’s Giorgio Malan claimed the bronze.

The Paris 2024 Olympics mark the final appearance of horse riding in Modern Pentathlon, with the event set to be replaced by an "American Ninja Warrior"-style obstacle course in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The decision follows controversy at the Tokyo Olympics, where a coach struck a horse that refused to jump, sparking widespread concern over animal welfare.

Tokyo gold medalist Joe Choong, who finished ninth in Paris, has expressed reservations about the upcoming changes but may continue competing to test the new format. Meanwhile, Annika Zillekens, the German athlete involved in the Tokyo incident, announced her retirement after failing to advance to the Paris final, again losing points due to her horse's refusal to jump.

Elgendy’s historic win not only elevates his legacy but also shines a spotlight on Egypt and Africa in the global sporting arena, inspiring future generations of athletes.

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