After much training and dedication from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Lebanon is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, which is set to start on July 26th.
Amidst global excitement and meticulous preparation, Lebanese athletes are poised to demonstrate their exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and passion on the world’s most esteemed athletic platform.
As the countdown to the event begins, Lebanon’s athletes are gearing up to embody the country’s spirit and compete for glory alongside the world’s most elite athletes. Let’s take a closer look at the top competitors proudly representing Lebanon on the global stage:
1. Ray Bassil – Shooting
Bassil secured her Olympic place by winning the 2023 Asian Shooting Championship in South Korea. The trap shooter has qualified for the Olympics four times and won eight World Cup medals.
2. Simon Doueihy – Swimming
World Aquatics sent an invitation to Simon Doueihy to participate in the Olympics. Doueihy will compete in the men’s 100-meter freestyle.
3. Lynn El Hajj – Swimming
Lynn El Hajj received the same invitation as Simon Doueihy to participate in the Olympics. Lynn will compete in the women’s 100-meter backstroke.
Both swimmers are expected to have remarkable results, demonstrating Lebanon’s developing strength in aquatic sports.
4. Mariana Sahakian – Table Tennis
Mariana Sahakian, a veteran table tennis player who competed at the 2016 Rio Games, is ready to return to the Olympics. Sahakian secured a spot in Paris by winning gold at the 2024 Western Asia Qualification Tournament.
5. Laetitia Aoun – Taekwondo
Laetitia Aoun, a rising star in taekwondo, will represent Lebanon in the women’s under 57 kg category. Aoun qualified for the Olympics after doing admirably at the 2024 Asian Qualification Tournament in Taian, China. Her prior honors include a bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games and another in the 2021 Islamic Solidarity Games.
6. Philippe Wakim – Fencing
After an eight-year absence, Lebanon returns to the Olympic fencing stage with Philippe Wakim. Wakim got his spot after receiving the tripartite invitation quotas for the men’s individual foil event.
7. Benjamin Hassan – Tennis
Tennis player Benjamin Hassan will represent Lebanon at the Olympics. Hassan will represent the nations at the games as a result of the universality spot allocations competing in the men’s single event.
8. Hady Habib – Tennis
Tennis player Hady Habib will also represent Lebanon at the Olympics. Habib and Hassan will pair up in the men’s doubles.
9. Noureddine Hadid – Athletics
Officially considered the fastest man in Lebanese history, Noureddine Hadid will be competing in the athletics games at the Olympics
10. Caramnob Sagaipov – Judo
Starting judo at the age of 9, Caramnob Sagaipov represented Russia at cadet and junior level before switching to compete for Lebanon in 2022. Finished fifth in the -90kg category at the 2024 World Championships, the best performance by a Lebanese judoka at a world championship.
Their participation in the games is an important milestone for Lebanese tennis and provides a hopeful view for the sport’s future in the country.
Lebanon boasts a diverse and skilled group of athletes, epitomizing the country’s commitment to sporting excellence. As they gear up to represent their nation in Paris, these athletes bear the hopes and aspirations of their fellow Lebanese, aiming to accomplish remarkable feats on an international platform.
Their participation not only underscores their unwavering dedication and resilience but also fills Lebanon with immense pride. Best of luck to all the athletes!
