Paris, France, August 10, 2024: Bahrain’s 2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser won the Kingdom’s second medal of Paris 2024 – a silver in the women’s 400 metres at the Stade de France on Friday, August 9.
The six-time Asian Games medalist clocked a season’s best 48.53 to finish second behind Marileidy Paulino, who set an Olympic record of 48.17 to become the first woman from the Dominican Republic to win a gold in any sport at the Games.
Poland’s European champion Natalia Kaczmarek took bronze in 48.98.
Salwa Eid Naser said winning a medal at the Olympic Games was a dream come true.
“It’s a testament to years of dedication and strong belief in myself. This medal is not just mine; it belongs to Bahrain, my country that has embraced and supported me throughout my journey,” she said.
Salwa, 26, was a semi-finalist at Rio 2016 and has won six medals at the Asian Games – four gold and two silver. Her Olympic silver added to Bahrain's medal tally following Winfred Yavi's gold in the 3000 metres steeplechase.
Bahrain News Agency reported that the medal was celebrated by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, and other senior officials.
His Highness Shaikh Nasser congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasising the leadership's support for Bahraini sports.
His Highness praised Salwa Eid Naser's efforts and highlighted the leadership's role in achieving international successes.
On his part, His Highness Shaikh Khalid expressed his pride in the support from the leadership and acknowledged His Highness Shaikh Nasser's role in supporting the Bahraini team in Paris.