Moroccan runner Mounir Bouja captured a gold medal in the 400-meter T12 race at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Thursday, garnering Morocco’s first gold, and eighth overall medal at the event.
Bouja dominated the race, crossing the finish line in 48.62 seconds, edging out American sprinter Noah Malone, who took silver with a time of 49.35 seconds. Tunisia’s Roy Jebabli secured the bronze, finishing in 49.56 seconds.
The victory caps an impressive run for Bouja, who had already demonstrated his potential in the qualifying rounds. On Wednesday, he advanced to the final by winning his elimination heat with a time of 48.98 seconds, outperforming Thai competitor Tisuwan Kissanapong, who finished in 50.68 seconds, and Zambia’s Lassam Katongo, who clocked in at 58.77 seconds.
Bouja’s gold adds to Morocco’s strong overall performance at the Paralympic Games. Moroccan athletes have also secured bronze medals in several events, including Aymane El Haddaoui in the 100-meter T47 race, and Ayoub Adouich in the under-63kg K44 category.
Meanwhile, Rajae Aqermash won the bronze medal in the over-65kg category in para-taekwondo. Saida Amoudi earned bronze in the shot put F34 category.
Morocco’s medal tally also includes three silver medals: Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi in the 1500-meter T13 race, Abdelilah Kani in the shot put, and Youssra Karim in the discus throw F41 category.