Tokyo Olympics: Tunisia's Mohammed Khalil Jendoubi Wins Africa's 1st Medal
- Mohammed Khalil Jendoubi was guaranteed of winning a medal when he made it to the final of the men's taekwondo 58kg category
- Jenboubi took on Hang Jun of South Korea in the semi-final before setting up a date with Italy's Vito Dell'Aquila, who won gold
- The teenager now becomes only the second Tunisian to win silver at the Olympics after long-distance runner Mohammed Gammoudi
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Tunisia's Mohammed Khalil Jendoubi has become won Africa's first medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Jendoubi scooped a silver medal on Saturday, July 24, in the men's taekwondo 58kg category.
The 19-year-old was assured of a medal after making it to the final where he took on Italian Vito Dell'Aquila, whom he lost to.
Source: Getty Images
The match was balanced as the two tied 10-10 before Dell'Aquila scored decisively in the final 15 seconds to cart home the gold.
Jendoubi laid down an early marker when he stunned Ethiopia's Solomon Dense in the quarters to book a semifinal meeting with Hang Jun of South Korea.
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While many thought Hang Jun posed the biggest threat to Jendoubi, the Tunisian beat all the odds to secure a win over the South Korean who was favourite to win the gold.
Jendoubi now becomes only the second Tunisian to win silver at the Olympics after long-distance runner Mohammed Gammoudi.
SA's Tatjana Schoenmaker makes waves at the Olympics
Earlier, Briefly News reported that 24-year-old Tatjana Schoenmaker has given Team South Africa a much-needed boost after she smashed the Olympic record for the women's 100m breaststroke event.
Needless to say, she has also qualified for the semi-finals. She finished her race in 1:04.82, beating the previous record held by American swimmer Lilly King.
She is the most successful South African athlete at the games this year. However, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio finished 13th in the road cycling race and surfer Bianca Buitendag qualified for the last 16, both impressive feats in the highly competitive environment.
She missed out on the 2016 Olympics in Rio but she is ready to take on the world and poses a real gold medal threat at the Tokyo Olympics.
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Source: Briefly News
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
Thando Mpembe Thando Mpembe is a sports journalist who has a passion for all things entertainment. In her spare time, Thando enjoys reading and spending time with family. She is an advocate for mental health and believes that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Thando holds an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg. Her favourite quote is "Gentle reminder - you are not for everyone and that is a blessing". Email: thando.mpembe@briefly.co.za
