Paris Olympics: Kenyans Impressed As Ndolo Puts Up A Dog-Fight In Paris
Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo (Red head) against Olena Kryvytska (Ukraine) conterst fencing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. PHOTOS/ KELLY AYODI
PARIS, France- Team Kenya’s first day after the opening ceremony in Paris began with mixed emotions and high hopes.
Fencer Alexandra Ndolo made history by becoming the first to represent Kenya in Olympic fencing. Despite her valiant effort, Ndolo bowed out after a heartbreaking 13-12 defeat against Ukrainian Olena Kryvystka. The match was a nail-biter, reflecting the skill and determination Ndolo brought to the arena.
Just the night before, Ndolo declared through her social media “I intend to make every second count.” She truly fenced with soul and heart, embodying the spirit of Team Kenya.
Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo (Red head) against Olena Kryvytska (Ukraine) conterst fencing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. PHOTOS/ KELLY AYODI
At 37, Alexandra bows out of the Olympics as the top-ranked African fencer, having won a World Fencing Championships silver medal for Germany in 2022. Two months later, she made the surprising and emotional decision to switch allegiance to Kenya in honour of her late father, who was raised in the East African nation. “I feel like even when it has been hard, he’s with me every step of the way,” Ndolo shared.
Kenya had hoped to become the third African nation to win an Olympic fencing gold, following in the footsteps of Egypt and Tunisia. While this dream remains unfulfilled for now, Ndolo’s
dedication has set a powerful example for future generations of Kenyan fencers including the biggest juniors club in Huruma.
The day also saw Ridhwan Abubakar, a spirited competitor in the 400m freestyle, finish fourth in his heat with a time of 4:05.14, ranking him 36th overall. Though he won’t feature in the evening’s final, the 23-year-old’s journey is a testament to perseverance. Ridhwan qualified for the Olympics through Universality, raising the hopes of Kenyan swimmers after Kenya Aquatics faced a ban. He proudly holds the national record for the 400m freestyle.
Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo (Red head) against Olena Kryvytska (Ukraine) conterst fencing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. PHOTOS/ KELLY AYODI
Our attention now turns to the Stade de France, where Kenya’s rugby team will play Samoa at 5:00 PM local time for the 9th placement position.
On Thursday, the team secured a thrilling victory against Uruguay, thanks to a late try by the youngest player on the team, Patrick Odongo. Despite the high temperatures, it’s a rainy day in Paris, and we eagerly await to see if the clouds will part to allow us a triumphant end to the day.
