There are 6 Africans competing at this year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
Here’s the list:
1. Samuel Ikpefan
Country: Nigeria
Sport: Cross-country Skiing
Ikpefan, who was born in France and has a Nigerian father, will become Nigeria’s first male Winter Olympian and the first cross country skier.
He is the only African to compete outside of alpine skiing this year.
2. Mialitiana Clerc
Country: Madagascar
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Clerc is Madagascar’s first female Olympic skier. She will be the only African woman competing in Beijing.
3. Carlos Maeder
Country: Ghana
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Maeder is the third-ever Ghanaian to qualify for the Winter Olympic Games.
At 43-years-old, he will be the oldest athlete in the alpine skiing field.
4. Shannon Abeda
Country: Eritrea
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Abeda is Eritrea’s first winter Olympian. Initially he wanted to be an ice hockey player but was discouraged by his parents who thought it was too dangerous.
5. Mathieu Neumuller
Country: Madagascar
Sport: Alpine Skiing
At 18-years-old, Mathieu is Africa’s youngest athlete at this year’s games.
6. Yassine Aouich
Country: Morocco
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Aouich will be the eighth athlete from his nation to compete at the Winter Olympics.
Morocco have never won a medal at the Winter Games.
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