• The Paris Olympics mission team’s meticulous planning ensured adherence to International Olympic Committee (IOC) deadlines, paving the way for seamless operations.
• Maluki reiterated the team's unwavering commitment to placing athletes at the forefront of their endeavours, ensuring comprehensive preparation and participation pathways to Olympic glory.
Image: HANDOUT
National Olympics Committee secretary general Francis Mutuku has stated that early preparations are key for team Kenya’s good performances on the global stage.
Speaking during the 100-day countdown to the Paris Olympics, Mutuku emphasised the importance of thorough preparedness for the July 26-August 11 spectacle and beyond, with a resounding call to action, 'Hesabika na Mabingwa'.
“In August, we will start preparations for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. Early preparations will ensure good results,” Mutuku stated.
The 2028 Olympics are earmarked for Los Angeles, USA, with the 2032 awarded to Brisbane, Australia.
The Paris Olympics mission team’s meticulous planning ensured adherence to International Olympic Committee (IOC) deadlines, paving the way for seamless operations.
“As far as management matters are concerned, we are up to date and have met all the deadlines. That is courtesy of the mission team formed last year.”
The team is led by Chef de Mission Shadrack Maluki, CEO Wanjiru Karani, general team manager Dimmy Kisalu and chief medical officer James Odiege.
Mutuku pointed out that two teams and a dozen athletes have secured Paris qualifications with the other athletes awaiting final qualification tournaments.
The qualified teams are Malkia Strikers (women's volleyball) and Shujaa (men’s rugby). Alexandria Ndolo has qualified under fencing as well as 11 marathon athletes.
AK gave NOCK a list of 11 (six female and five male) marathon athletes who will train to form a team of six (three male and female) to represent the country.
The marathon list includes defending champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir.
Others are Ruth Chepngetich, Vincent Ngetich, Brigid Kosgei, Timothy Kiplagat, Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto, Rosemary Wanjiru, Alexander Mutiso and Sharon Lokedi.
Gratitude flowed from Malkia Strikers' standout, Sharon Chepchumba, acknowledging the pivotal support from sponsors and NOC-K, promising a stellar performance in Paris.
“We thank the Olympic Committee and the sponsors for coming to our aid. The preparations will be smooth and we promise good results in Paris,” she said.
Among notable sponsors who have come in to support the teams include Kenya Breweries Limited, Safaricom, Kenya Airways and Deloitte Kenya.
Mutuku gave updates on Kenya athletes' Road to Paris.
African Games tennis champion Angela Okutoyi is 90 points away from securing qualification with Mutuku confident she will make the cut.
Sports shooting athlete Priscilla Mburu is in Brazil for the final qualification stage.
The Hit Squad will be in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 22-June 2 for the final world boxing qualifier. The basketball 3x3 team who are currently in Miramas training
Kenyan relay teams will also look to cement a qualifying spot when they compete at the World Relays Championships in the Bahamas on May 4-5.
Maluki reiterated the team's unwavering commitment to placing athletes at the forefront of their endeavours, ensuring comprehensive preparation and participation pathways to Olympic glory.
“It has been and remains our objective to facilitate as many athletes as possible to qualify for this once-in-four years sports festival. Our mantra is 'athletes at the centre of all we do',” Maluki noted.
“We have worked with Nock board and secretariat to ensure all aspects relating to qualification pathways and participation at the Olympics are followed professionally and timely.”
“We have taken a 360 approach in preparing the athletes for the Olympics by facilitating their access to training and competition opportunities as well as training them on soft skills of life,” he added.
“All elements and structures necessary for Team Kenya to produce great results in Paris are in place.”
Nock president Paul Tergat envisioned 'Hesabika na Mabingwa' as a clarion call for unity and collaboration, fostering an environment of excellence for Kenya's champions.
“Our rallying call is Hesabika na Mabingwa. It is a call to greatness, unifying spirit and invitation for partnership as we become enablers in our champions' continued excellence,” he said.
“60 years since the late Wilson Kiprugut proudly brought home our inaugural Olympic medal, the country has never looked back.”
French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet affirmed Paris' readiness to host a historic event, with plans for a spectacular opening ceremony at the River Seine, poised to usher in a new era of sporting grandeur.
“The opening ceremony will be the first of its kind. It will be held at River Seine. The only remaining part is the Olympic village which is near completion,” he stated.
The Ambassador also stated that there are plans, in conjunction with the Nairobi County government, to have a grand opening at the Alliance Francaise.