Chris Jenkins, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). GETTY IMAGES

Commonwealth Sport President Chris Jenkins has celebrated the achievements of Commonwealth Nations and Territories at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they collectively secured an impressive total of 210 medals, including 62 gold, 69 silver, and 79 bronze, out of the 1,039 medals awarded.

In his statement, President Jenkins emphasized the growing global influence of the Commonwealth Games, highlighting that the recent successes in Paris reinforce the Games' critical role as a launchpad for athletes aspiring to excel at the Olympics and Paralympics. He pointed out that the athletes' outstanding performances in Paris are a testament to the Commonwealth Games' significance as a key preparatory event for world-class competition.

"The multi-sport environment provided by the Commonwealth Games is crucial for our athletes' development," Jenkins remarked, underscoring the importance of integrating para-athletes into Commonwealth teams, a hallmark of the Games. He expressed confidence that the experience gained by para-athletes during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will prove invaluable as they compete in the upcoming Paralympics in Paris.

Julien Alfred celebrates winning the women's 100m final. GETTY IMAGES
Julien Alfred celebrates winning the women's 100m final. GETTY IMAGES

Jenkins extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Commonwealth medallists from Paris, expressing his hope that the 2,230 Commonwealth athletes who participated found the experience both challenging and rewarding. He also praised the Paris 2024 Olympics as a "hugely innovative and sustainable event," setting a new benchmark for future Games.

Several smaller Commonwealth nations made a significant impact relative to their population sizes. Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia, and New Zealand stood out for their impressive medal hauls, while larger nations like Jamaica and Australia also delivered exceptional performances, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent within the Commonwealth.

One of the most historic moments of the Games came from St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who won the island’s first-ever Olympic medal, a gold in the Women’s 100m. This victory continues her illustrious career, which includes a 100m gold at the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and a silver at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Equally historic was Thea LaFond's achievement in securing Dominica's first-ever Olympic medal, a gold in the triple jump, following her silver at Birmingham 2022. These victories are not just personal milestones but also symbols of the rising prominence of smaller Commonwealth nations on the global stage.

Tebogo celebrates winning the gold medal after competing in the Men's 200m Final. GETTY IMAGES
Tebogo celebrates winning the gold medal after competing in the Men's 200m Final. GETTY IMAGES

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo also made headlines by claiming his country’s first Olympic gold in the 200m, further establishing himself as one of the fastest sprinters in the world. Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem set an Olympic record in the javelin throw, bringing home his nation’s first gold medal in 40 years, a triumph built on his success at Birmingham 2022.

These historic accomplishments underscore the vital role of the Commonwealth Games in nurturing world-class athletic talent. Since its inception in 1930, the Commonwealth Sport Movement has united 74 independent nations and territories, creating a vibrant and diverse community of over 2.5 billion people, representing one-third of the world's population.

Jenkins concluded by reaffirming the Commonwealth Games’ unwavering commitment to inclusivity, development, and sporting excellence. He expressed optimism that the legacy of these Games will continue to inspire future generations of athletes across the Commonwealth, ensuring that the spirit of friendly competition and mutual respect thrives on the world stage.