Marina Houndalowan: Benin’s Last ‍Hope for a Medal in⁢ Paris 2024

Benin’s last representative ‍still competing⁤ in​ Paris 2024, Marina‌ Houndalowan is keeping her country’s⁢ hopes alive. This Wednesday, September 4, the para-athlete qualified for the shot ​put final in the F57 category.

Marina Houndalowan ​qualified ‍with a throw of 6.11 meters ⁣which allowed her to place 4th in her series. A performance that is a personal and national record.

A Journey of ‌Perseverance

At the age of 40,⁢ this Beninese teacher strongly ‌believes in⁢ her chances of winning a medal⁤ for her first Paralympic ‌round, which will take place this Thursday, September 5. “Tokyo 2020 gave​ nothing. But this time,⁣ by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I will make the New Dawn sing in Paris,” she⁣ has‌ recently confided.

Preparing for the Paralympic Games

In preparation for the Paris 2024 ⁢Paralympic Games, Marina Houndalowan ⁣followed an intensive course which took her from Montfort-le-Gesnois to Saint-Ouen-en-Brie and⁣ Savigny-le-Temple, thanks to a partnership between ‍the ⁣Sports Administration of Benin and ⁣these French municipalities. Unprecedented preparation for someone who started her Paralympic‍ career a​ few years ⁤ago, ⁣driven by the desire to overcome her disability and excel in ⁤sport.

Competing⁢ in the F57 Category

Marina competes in the F57 category, dedicated to athletes with limited movement of one leg or a moderate impairment to both ‌feet, or the absence of ‌arms and legs. ‌Her‌ throws are performed ‌sitting on a chair, in accordance with the rules of this category.

Past Achievements

In April 2024, during the 8th edition of the⁢ International Para-Athletics Meeting (Grand Prix of His Royal Highness Crown​ Prince ‌Moulay ‌El Hassan), Marina had already distinguished herself by winning‌ two medals: silver in the javelin throw and one bronze in the shot.