The Paris 2024 Olympics is in full swing, with athletic excellence and laser-focus determination inspiring everyone across the globe. With all eyes on Paris and these super-human athletes, we took a look at nature's very own record-breakers found in Africa. Here are some of Africa's iconic animals' skills compared to Olympic gold medal achievements...
Africa's very own record-breakers, Image Credit: Elewana Collection
100-metre Sprint: The Cheetah's Unmatched Speed
In athletics, the 100-metre sprint is the ultimate test of speed. For example, Usain Bolt from Jamaica, the men's world record holder, clocks in at 9.58 seconds, whereas American Florence Griffith-Joyner set the women's record at 10.49 seconds.
But in the African savannah, the cheetah reigns supreme. They can reach speeds up to 112 kilometres (70 miles) per hour in short bursts. Therefore, they can cover the 100-metre distance in around six seconds, leaving even the fastest human sprinters in the dust! With its slender build, powerful legs, and astounding acceleration, the cheetah is the true gold medalist of the animal kingdom.
Cheetahs are the fastest creatures on land
Weightlifting: The Strength of the Elephant
When it comes to sheer strength, Olympic weightlifters push the limits of human capability. However, their feats are dwarfed by the might of the African elephant.
Capable of carrying weights up to 9,000 kilograms (19,841 pounds), these gentle giants use their immense strength to easily uproot trees and move large objects. An elephant's trunk alone can lift around 350 kilograms (770 pounds), showcasing a level of power that leaves even the strongest humans in awe.
African elephants are the largest land mammals and super strong!
Long and High Jumpers: The Agile Kudu and Impala
Olympic long and high jumpers showcase incredible agility and explosive power. The Olympic record in high jumping for men was set at 2.39 metres (seven feet, 10 inches) by American Charles Austin and 2.06 metres (six feet, nine inches in) for women by Russian Yelena Slesarenko.
When it comes to long jumping, the current men's record is set at 8.90 metres (29 feet, two +1⁄4) by American Bob Beamon. For women, it's 7.40 metres (24 feet, three +1⁄4 inches), set by American Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
But here in Africa, the kudu and impala are the masters of leaping. Impalas can jump distances of up to 10 metres (33 feet) in a single bound, while kudus can clear heights of over 2.5 metres (eight feet) with ease! These antelopes use their jumping abilities to evade predators and navigate their habitats, displaying a combination of grace and athleticism.
Impalas can jump further and higher than Olympians!
50-metre Swimming: The Speedy Hippopotamus
In the pool, 50-metre freestyle swimmers race to reach the finish line with lightning speed. For example, Caeleb Dressel from the United States holds the men's record for 50-metre freestyle swimming with a time of 21.07 seconds! The women's record is held by Emma McKeon from Australia at 23.81 seconds. Now, that's fast!
Its African competitor? Surprisingly, the seemingly slow hippopotamus can be a formidable swimmer. Despite their bulky appearance, hippos can move at speeds of up to eight kilometres per hour (five miles per hour) in the water. Their streamlined bodies and webbed feet make them agile swimmers, capable of covering short distances with remarkable speed.
Just keep swimming
Rhythmic Gymnastics: The Elegant Secretary Bird
Rhythmic gymnastics is known for its grace and fluid movements, much like the captivating mating dance of the secretary bird. With its long legs and distinctive crest, this elegant bird performs a dance involving intricate footwork and rhythmic movements.
The secretary bird's display is not only a courtship ritual but also a demonstration of its agility and coordination, reminiscent of a gymnast's routine.
Secretary birds doing their famously elegant mating dance
Parallel Bars and Rings: Acrobatic Monkeys
Parallel bars and rings gymnasts demonstrate fantastic upper body strength and coordination, much like Africa's agile monkeys.
From vervet monkeys to baboons, these primates navigate the treetops with ease, swinging from branch to branch with acrobatic precision. Their impressive feats of balance, strength, and agility make them the natural gymnasts of the animal kingdom.
Vervet monkeys are real acrobats, Image Credit: Catherine O'Sullivan
See Nature's Record-Breakers in Real Life
As you marvel at the athletic achievements of Olympic champions, consider the natural talents of Africa's wildlife. From the lightning-fast cheetah to the graceful leaps of the impala, these animals showcase a level of prowess that rivals any human athlete.
On your next African safari holiday, you can witness these wonderful creatures in their natural habitats, displaying their Olympic-worthy abilities up close.
So pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to see nature's record-breakers in action! React out to our African Travel Experts who can make the magic happen.
