Several Kenyan teams, in 2023, were in the hunt for a ticket to the 2024 Summer Olympics slated for Paris in France.
Some achieved their goal, others fell short while some are completely out of the race. We look at some teams that qualified for the Olympics and those who fell short in the continental qualifiers.
Here are some of the teams that qualified for the Olympics.
1. Kenya 7s
Kenya 7s faced a challenging journey after missing a direct ticket to the Olympics in the World 7s Circuit. Relegated and seeking redemption, Shujaa headed to the Africa Men’s 7s tournament, a tough qualification route due to South Africa’s presence.
South Africa had also failed to book a direct ticket to the Olympics after missing the top four slots in the 2023 World 7s Series.
The final showdown in Harare featured Kenya 7s against South Africa, both determined to secure the Olympic qualification.
Shujaa’s unbeaten run led to a thrilling final where they emerged victorious with a 17-12 win. Patrick Odongo’s speed and Tony Omondi’s accurate conversion set the stage, but South Africa fought back, taking a 12-7 lead at halftime.
The second-half showcased Kenya 7’s resilience. Vincent Onyala’s precise offload enabled Odongo to score his second try, levelling the scores. Seizing an opportunity with South Africa’s defensive vulnerability, John Okoth secured a crucial try, propelling Kenya 7s to a 17-12 victory and clinching the Olympic qualification.
In the bronze medal match, Uganda orchestrated a remarkable comeback, securing a 24-12 win over Zimbabwe Cheetahs. This victory earned Uganda the third spot on the podium and a place in the Olympic final qualification in Monaco alongside South Africa. The Kenya 7s’ triumph marked their third consecutive Olympic qualification.
2. Malkia strikers
Kenya Women’s Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, achieved a historic victory at the 2023 CAVB Africa Women’s Nations Cup, claiming their 10th continental title in August. The team secured a remarkable 3-0 victory over Egypt (25-22, 25-20, 25-14), ending an 8-year-long wait for the title and earning a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The victory propelled Kenya from 30th to 22nd in the latest FIVB World Rankings.
Malkia Strikers neutralised Egypt with powerful attacks from Sharon Chepchumba and Veronica Adhiambo. The blocking skills of Trizah Atuka and Edith Mukuvilani, coupled with the leadership of Captain Mercy Moim and the precise reception by Agripina Kundu, solidified Kenya’s dominance. Young setter Immaculate Nekesa’s strategic plays added to the team’s success.
In the first set, Kenya took control early, with decisive kills by Adhiambo and overpass kills by Edith Wisah. Despite Egypt’s attempts to mount a comeback, Kenya maintained a lead, winning the set 25-22.
The second set saw Kenya bouncing back from an early deficit, leading 25-20 after strategic plays and contributions from Jemimah Siang’u, Rose Magoi, and Loice Simiyu.
The third set witnessed a commanding performance by Kenya, with Adhiambo’s services leading to a 9-0 lead. Despite Egypt narrowing the gap, Kenya secured a dominant 25-14 victory, securing their 10th continental title.
Sharon Chepchumba, Emmaculate Nekesa, and Mercy Moim were named in the African Volleyball Confederation Dream Team. Chepchumba, named the Most Valuable Player, played a crucial role in the team’s success. Nekesa, crowned the Best Setter, contributed with precise assists, while Moim, recognized as the Best Outside Hitter, showcased powerful hits and leadership qualities.
Pending qualifications
1.Kenya Lionesses’ Last Chance
Kenya Lionesses faced a setback in their bid for Olympic qualification after losing to South Africa in the Africa 7s Championship. Despite a closely contested match, South Africa secured a 12-7 victory, claiming the title and an Olympic spot.
Kenya Lionesses, aiming for a third consecutive Olympic qualification, now head to Monaco for a final chance. They will compete against Argentina, China, Czechia, Hong Kong China, Jamaica, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Samoa, and Uganda for the single available spot.
2.Kenya Womens’ Basket Ball 3*3
In Women’s 3×3 basketball, Kenya emerged as the African Champions with a thrilling 21-20 victory over hosts Egypt in the final of the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2023 in Cairo. The Kenyan team displayed impressive performances, featuring Hildah Indasi, Madina Okot, Mercy Wanyama, and tournament MVP Natalie Mwangale.
Their victory earned them a spot in the FIBA Universality-driven Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 (UOQT2), with one qualification slot available.
Teams out of the Olympic race
Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams of Kenya faced disappointment in the African Qualifiers at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in October, missing out on Olympic Games tickets.
The women’s team narrowly missed the Olympic ticket, losing 1-0 to Nigeria in the semi-final. They rebounded with a 3-1 victory over Ghana to secure the bronze medal.
On the men’s side, the team, known as Chui, had a challenging performance, finishing in sixth place after a 4-3 defeat to Nigeria in the classification play-offs.
Unfortunately, Harambee Starlets did not have an opportunity in the qualifiers. The Football Kenya Federation confirmed that the chance to express interest in participating in the qualifiers was open during Kenya’s suspension from international football.
2024 will see several athletes confirmed for the Olympics. Kenya’s provisional Paris 2024 marathon has the following athletes:
Men: Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Vincent Kipkemoi Ng’etich, Timothy Kiplagat, Benson Kipruto, Bernard Kiprop Koech, Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, Amos Kipruto, Titus Kipruto
Women: Ruth Chepng’etich, Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Peres Jepchichir, Judith Jeptum Korir, Seley Chepyego Kaptich, Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi, Brigid Kosgei
The final team of five men and five women to be announced at the end of January.
