Olympics

Paralympic shot-putter Raoua Tlili wins fifth straight gold in epic feat

The legend of Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili continued at the Paralympics in France on Friday. 

Tlili won her fifth consecutive gold in the shot put, adding to an already-crowded medal case that saw her capture the top prize in Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, London and Beijing. 

Her 10.40-meter throw helped her win the F41 class for the third straight Summer Games. 

Gold medallist Raoua Tlili of Team Turkey celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony after the Women's Shot Put F41 final on day two of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Stade de France on August 30, 2024 in Paris, France.
Gold medallist Raoua Tlili of Team Turkey celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony after the Women’s Shot Put F41 final on day two of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Stade de France on August 30, 2024 in Paris, France. Getty Images

In her first two gold medal wins, Tlili participated in the F40 class. 

At 4 foot 4 and 34 years old, Tlili’s height and age were working against her, but she still managed to build on her decorated Olympic career.

“It’s not easy as a short-stature person that is of my age … especially if you compete against opponents who are 22, 25 years old,” Tlili said, according to the Associated Press.

Silver medallist Kubaro Khakimova of team Uzbekistan (L), Gold medallist Raoua Tlili of Team Turkey (C) and bronze medallist Antonella Ruiz Diaz of Team Argentina (R) pose on the podium during the medal ceremony after the Women's Shot Put F41 final on day two of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Stade de France on August 30, 2024 in Paris, France.
Silver medallist Kubaro Khakimova of team Uzbekistan (L), Gold medallist Raoua Tlili of Team Turkey (C) and bronze medallist Antonella Ruiz Diaz of Team Argentina (R) pose on the podium during the medal ceremony after the Women’s Shot Put F41 final on day two of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Stade de France on August 30, 2024 in Paris, France. Getty Images

Tlili said after her performance that she could hear her fans and fellow countrymen cheering in the crowd. 

“The Algerians, the Tunisians, everyone who lives in Paris, came and got reunited to watch me. (I heard them saying) ‘Raoua, Raoua, gold, gold,’” she said, per the AP. 

It’s Tlili’s seventh gold medal overall — she also took the top discus prize in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Tlili is expected to participate in the discus event on Wednesday. 

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