Muzala Samukonga Clinches Bronze in 400m at 2024 Olympics

Muzala Samukonga Clinches Bronze in 400m at 2024 Olympics

Muzala Samukonga won a bronze medal in the men’s 400-meter relay at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, marking a significant milestone for Zambian athletics.

The 23-year-old sprinter put on an incredible show, winning the race in 43.74 seconds, a personal best that created a new Zambian national record.​

Samukonga is the first athlete from Zambia to win an Olympic gold since 1996, so his accomplishment represents a major turning point for the country

. Zambia’s first track and field Olympic medal since Samuel Matete’s silver in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1996 Atlanta Games comes from his bronze.​

The 400-meter final was a hotly contested event that took place at the Stade de France. Quincy Hall, an American sprinter, won gold in 43.40 seconds, while Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith got second place in 43.44 seconds.

Samukonga’s performance was notable for its focus and accuracy since he kept up a steady pace the whole race, overtaking rivals in the last meters.​

In an emotional post-race interview, Samukonga dedicated his medal to his family, coaches, and the Zambian people.

“This is a dream come true,” he said, holding back tears. “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my team and my country. I hope this inspires the next generation of Zambian athletes to believe in themselves and aim for the stars.”

[Muzala Samukonga at the Paris 2024 Olympics]

Samukonga’s path to the Olympic podium has required perseverance and determination. He was born and raised in Lusaka, where he first developed an early love of running.

He developed his skills throughout the years by participating in numerous national and international competitions and putting in a lot of training.

His big break came in 2023 when he took home the gold at the African Championships, which paved the way for his Olympic triumph.​

The sporting community and the Zambian government have expressed great pride in Samukonga’s achievement.

On social media, President Hakainde Hichilema thanked the athlete, writing, “We extend our warmest and most profound congratulations to our compatriot, Muzala Samukonga, on his outstanding achievement of winning the bronze medal in the 400 meters race at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

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.

His remarkable accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Zambia celebrates your triumph, Muzala – we are truly proud of you.”

Muzala Samukonga’s narrative serves as a potent reminder of what is possible when passion and determination are combined, as he returns home to be greeted as a hero.

In addition to being a personal victory, his bronze medal serves as motivation and hope for Zambia and all of Africa.

WATCH MUZALA SAMUKONGA FINAL 400-METER FINAL RACE AT THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS