Some competitors have been able to make it to the Olympics in part because of a change in qualifying criteria aimed at producing a more diverse field a change that has garnered scrutiny.
Several skiers representing countries with little snow are making their Olympic debut in Beijing, partly because of a diversity initiative that has generated controversy.
Carlos Mäder longed to be a footballer while growing up in Switzerland, but later in life, his friends encouraged him to pursue skiing. At 43, he finally got his chance, representing Ghana in the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Six African competitors from five countries will line up in their various disciplines, most of which involve skiing. Meet Africa’s representatives at the 24th Winter Olympic Games.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made the appeal for Africa to gain more power at the UN during his opening remarks at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa.