As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games enter it’s penultimate day, all eyes are on Norway’s Aida Husic Dahlen as she pushes for her first-ever Paralympic gold. Currently ranked World No. 1 in Class 8 and the reigning European Para Champion, Dahlen has her sights set on topping the podium after a string of impressive performances over the years. Despite competing in three previous Paralympic Games, her best result remains a bronze medal in the singles at Tokyo 2020. This time, she’s determined to go all the way.
Dahlen narrowly secured her place in today’s semi-finals with a tense 3-2 victory over Japan’s Yuri Tomono in the quarterfinals. Now, she faces a familiar rival; Germany’s Juliane Wolf. The two have faced each other 40 times since 2010, with Dahlen winning 29 of those encounters. However, Wolf has momentum on her side, having won their most recent match, making this semi-final a true test for both athletes.
Born without a left forearm and with a below-knee amputation on her left leg, Dahlen’s journey to the top of Para table tennis has been nothing short of inspirational. Her determination and technical skill have made her a force in Para table tennis, but the Paralympic gold medal has so far eluded her.
With 12 gold medals still up for grabs in the next two days at Paris 2024, Dahlen stands on the verge of achieving her lifelong dream. If she can overcome Wolf and reach the final, she’ll have one last chance to claim the ultimate prize in Para table tennis and bring home her first Paralympic gold medal.
