Kenya's Alexandra Ndolo reveals next targets after unlucky exit from Paris 2024 Olympics

Kenya's Alexandra Ndolo reveals next targets after unlucky exit from Paris 2024 Olympics

Mark Kinyanjui 17:00 - 29.07.2024

Ndolo has now revealed her plans after being knocked out of the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the next set of games set to take place in 2028.

Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo has revealed her plans after bowing out of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The world silver medalist showcased her exceptional talent, in the round of 32 narrowly losing 13-12 to Ukraine's Olena Kryvytska in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and skill.

Ndolo, 37, who won a World Fencing Championships silver medal for Germany in 2022, entered the Olympics with high hopes and determination, having declared for the country in 2023.

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," one supporter noted replying to her.

Reflecting on her Olympic debut, Ndolo shared her awe at the scale of the event. "This was my first Olympics, so just seeing the magnitude of how everything is done, usually, we do not find ourselves in front of 7,000 people where you cannot even hear your coach because a French girl is fencing on the other piece and you are kind of like ‘what are you saying?’ It is just different. It was the first time. I hope I can go for LA and do better."

The match against Kryvytska was a nail-biter, ending in sudden death. Ndolo explained, "In the end, it is just this (little) much of a difference. It was by one touch and it ended with sudden death. Priority or golden goal, however you want to call it last minute. We even had two double touches last minute so it was very close and unfortunately we did not come out on top."

Despite the narrow loss, Ndolo's performance has set a benchmark for future Kenyan fencers. As the top-ranked African fencer, she has inspired her country and hopes to compete again in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming to improve upon her impressive debut.

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 was not realized in Paris, Ndolo's valiant effort has laid a strong foundation for the future of fencing in Kenya.

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