Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira elated after earning IOC Role Model recognition
Kenya’s seasoned rugby international, Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira has received a prestigious recognition from the International Olympic Committee, as she continues to build her legacy both on and off the pitch ahead of the upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
The honour comes just before the continental competition kicks off in Nairobi later this month, where Kenya will be among the teams competing for top honours.
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Chajira has been selected as one of the Athlete Role Models for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games scheduled for Dakar, Senegal’s capital Dakar. In this capacity, she will mentor emerging athletes and support their development ahead of the global event set for October and November.
The IOC initiative will feature 31 experienced Olympians who will guide young competitors through the demands of elite sport, continuing a tradition that dates back to the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010. Chajira stands out as the only rugby representative from Africa in the programme.
Her selection also carries historic significance, as the Dakar edition will mark the first time the Youth Olympic Games are hosted on African soil. It will also take place under the leadership of IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the first African to hold the position.
A two-time Olympian who represented Kenya in women’s rugby sevens at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Chajira expressed pride in being able to give back to the next generation of athletes.
Chajira elated
“As a two-time Olympian, I want young athletes to see that the Olympic dream is real and achievable because I’ve lived that journey myself,” Chajira tells Rugby Africa Media.
“It doesn’t start on the Olympic stage; it starts with small, consistent steps, discipline, and belief in yourself even when things are tough,” she said.
“Through my experience, I hope to inspire them by sharing both the victories and the struggles. I want them to understand that setbacks, losses, and challenges are all part of the process, not the end of it. What matters is how you rise, learn, and keep going.”
“In my role as an Athlete Role Model with the International Olympic Committee, I aim to guide and mentor young athletes, helping them prepare not just physically but mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead. These programmes are designed to allow experienced Olympians to share knowledge, offer advice, and support the next generation as they grow in sport and in life,” she added.
“Most importantly, I want them to believe that they belong on that global stage. Coming from Africa, I want them to see that their background is not a limitation, it’s a strength. The Olympics are not just for a few; they are for those who dare to dream, commit, and work for it every single day. One day, they won’t just be watching the Olympics, they’ll be part of it.”
Olympic journey
Reflecting on her own Olympic journey, the Kenyan star described it as one of the defining experiences of her sporting life.
“Being an Olympian is something that’s hard to fully put into words… it is a feeling of pride, pressure, purpose, and pure honour all at once,” she said.
“You’re not just competing for yourself; you’re carrying your country, your people, and your journey onto the biggest stage in sport.”
“My first Olympic Games felt like a dream. Everything was new: the scale, the energy, the atmosphere in the Olympic Village. You’re suddenly surrounded by the best athletes in the world, people you’ve watched and admired. There’s excitement, but also nerves. You’re learning, observing, and taking it all in. It’s where it really hits you that this is the highest level. That experience shaped me, and it taught me what it truly takes to compete at that level.”
“Going into my second Olympic Games, everything changed mentally. Despite the challenge of COVID, I wasn’t just there to experience it; I was there to compete and perform. I understood the environment better, how to handle the pressure, how to prepare mentally and physically. There was more confidence, more focus, and a deeper sense of responsibility. You become more intentional about every moment, every game, every opportunity.”
“What stands out in both Games is the unity. The International Olympic Committee brings together athletes from all over the world—different cultures, different stories, but all chasing the same dream. That’s powerful.”
Attention now shifts to the continental showdown, where hosts Kenya will battle defending powerhouses South Africa, alongside Uganda and Madagascar in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament in Nairobi.
