Kenya’s taekwondo icon and Olympian Faith Ogallo has once again asserted her dominance on the African continent by winning gold in the +73kg category at the African Open Series Zone 5 Championship held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This victory secures her qualification for the upcoming African Taekwondo Championships Finals scheduled later this year in Mali.
Ogallo showcased exceptional skill and tactical prowess as she overcame formidable opponents from Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Djibouti, and Somalia.
Her commanding performance not only reinforces her status as one of Africa’s premier taekwondo athletes but also serves as an inspiration to young Kenyan athletes, especially women aspiring to break into combat sports.
Reflecting on her achievement, Ogallo dedicated the medal to Kenya, her coaches, and young girls dreaming of sporting success. “Taekwondo has shaped my character, built my resilience, and shown me how sport can transform lives,” she said.
Ogallo’s journey from a basketball player at Kibabii University to a decorated taekwondo champion is remarkable. After switching disciplines, she won her first gold just three months later at the Rwanda Korean Ambassadors Championship.
She went on to claim silver at the 2019 African Games and represented Kenya at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finishing seventh in the women’s +67kg division. Her medal haul includes a bronze at the 2021 African Taekwondo Championships.
Beyond competition, Ogallo is committed to athlete development and leadership. She holds a Diploma in Olympic Studies from the International Olympic Academy and mentors emerging talents like Patience Neema Mwagandi, who also qualified for the African Championships Finals.
Despite challenges such as limited training facilities in Bungoma, Ogallo is spearheading the establishment of the Faith Ogallo Climate-Smart World-Class Sports Facility at Kibabii University. This initiative aims to provide modern, sustainable training infrastructure for taekwondo and other sports.
Faith Ogallo’s continued success and visionary leadership position her as a true role model for Kenyan sport and a beacon of hope for future generations.
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