Zambian athlete, Samukonga, qualifies for 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Zambian athlete, Muzala Samukonga, will participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after qualifying for the global sporting showpiece.

Samukonga earned his qualification by finishing second in the 400-meter race at the Rabat/Marrakech Diamond League Meet held on Sunday.

Samukonga clocked an impressive 44.54 seconds, just three milliseconds behind Alexander Doom of Belgium, who won the race with a time of 44.51 seconds.

Bayapo Ndori of neighboring Botswana clocked 44.59 seconds, finishing third, followed by South Africa’s Lythe Pillay, who clocked a time of 44.78 seconds.

Emmanuel Bamidele of Nigeria was fifth with 44.88 seconds, while American runner Quincy Hall ended the race in sixth place.

Samukonga celebrated the achievement on his official Facebook page:

“IT’S OFFICIAL 💯🌍
OLYMPICS 2024 PARIS 🇫🇷 44.54s season best
Second position,” the athlete posted.

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) posted a congratulatory message with an accompanying picture demonstrating how close the race was:

“Look at this photo finish, that’s how close it was.

Alexander Doom – 44.51 Seconds
Muzala Samukonga – 44.54 Seconds
Bayapo Ndori – 44.59 Seconds
Athletics 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is up for grabs and Muzala Samukonga will be up there. Congratulations!” read the post on their official Facebook page.

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