365 days ahead: NOC-K reflects on Kenya's pursuit for Olympic glory

The National Olympic Committee is calling on all Kenyans to rise together as a nation, as a family, and as a tribe, and show the world the boundless spirit of Kenya – one that defies limitations, conquers the impossible and embraces victory with humility - as the country stands shoulder to shoulder with the global Olympic family and Olympic movement to rejoice in the magnificent occasion of 365 days until the 33rd Olympics in Paris.

As occasioned in the French capital on Tuesday - when the Olympic Torch was unveiled - the countdown is on, and in a letter by NOC-Kenya Secretary General Francis Mutuku, the games will echo Kenyan warriors' footsteps, whose passion, perseverance, and raw talent have carved a path of triumph on the international stage.

“Our athletes, the torchbearers of hope and inspiration, have dedicated their lives to honing their skills, sacrificing their sweat, and overcoming every obstacle in pursuit of Olympic glory. Their stories are etched into the very fabric of our nation and it continues to be a journey sometimes with challenges,” Mutuku writes. “The journey provides great moments of celebration and triumph. Today, we wholeheartedly embrace the clarion call of the IOC President, to become stronger, run faster, and reach higher in all our endeavors in life but most importantly to build a better world through sports.”

Even with the commemorations, Mutuku notes the ongoing efforts by athletes and teams to carving a way to the Paris games, specifically noting the beginning of the FIVB Challenger Cup - where Malkia Strikers are expected to represent the continent starting Thursday 27 July, Sharon Wakoli - Kenya’s sole representative in Tae Kwon Do’s ranking competition in Senegal, and the U23 3x3 basketball teams taking part in the U23 3x3 Nations League Basketball qualifiers in Algeria.

“This morning, I spoke with our incredible athletes on their Olympic Dreams, which amazed and motivated me,” he notes. “As I had the honor of conversing with our esteemed Wimbledon Grand Slam Champion, Angella Okutoyi, I couldn't help but marvel at how swiftly time has passed. Two-time Olympic Champion, Eliud Kipchoge aims to make history to be the first man to win the Olympic Marathon three times in a row.

In the midst of the 2023 World Championship, Alexandra Ndolo, a shining star ranked 6th in the world and adorned with a prestigious world championship silver medal, readies herself to proudly represent Team Kenya for the very first time.”

All this happens in the midst of the extraordinary feats of Faith Kipyegon - the holder of world records in the 1500m, 5000m and 1 Mile disciplines.

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“As a double Olympic champion, she exemplifies Fearless Faith, living by her motto. As she explained to me, motherhood's unwavering mental strength bestowed upon her has propelled her to surmount every obstacle in her path,” Mutuku says. “With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Faith sets her sights on the impossible, aiming to surpass all expectations.”

With NOC-K commemorating the day for 24 hours, the call is for Kenyans to reflect on the values of Olympism; Excellence, Respect, and Friendship Values as the strong foundations in promoting culture, sports, and education in Kenya.

“Let us rally around our athletes, the living embodiment of our nation's pride, and propel them with our unwavering support, encouragement, and love.”