Kaylia Nemour’s breathtaking high-flying acrobatic routine earned a personal best score of 15.700, edging out Chinese competitor Qiu (15.500) for the top spot on the podium.
The 17-year-old Algerian gymnast was driven to deliver her best performance after seeing Qiu’s score. “I knew I had to fight for it, so I gave it everything I had,” Nemour said.
Nemour’s victory is all the more remarkable given her journey. She switched to representing Algeria, her father’s country, two years ago after a medical dispute with the French federation blocked her from competing.
Overcome with emotion, Nemour expressed her relief and pride at winning the gold medal. “It’s an incredible feeling, I’m honored to have achieved this after everything I’ve been through.”
A growth spurt of 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) in a year just after she turned 13 caused a bone problem which required surgery on both knees.
The 17-year-old French-born athlete took the title ahead of China’s Qiu Qiyuan, who took the world title ahead of the Algerian last year, with American Sunisa Lee snatching bronze.
Defending champion Nina Derwael of Belgium finished fourth.
“I’m so shocked, it’s the dream of all my life. I can’t believe it has happened, I’m the Olympic champion. I’m speechless,” said Nemour.
“It was my ultimate dream, years of hard work, details. I’m honoured to have been able to win this medal, first of all for me and for Algeria too.”
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