Taekwondo team report to bubble camp at Kasarani ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Kenya's Ogallo Faith Wanjiku (red) and Morocco's Aboufaras Fatima-Ezzahra (Blue) compete in the Taekwondo Women's 73 kg final during the 12th edition of the "African Games" on August 22 , 2019 in Rabat. [Getty Images]

The taekwondo team on Tuesday checked into the Olympics pre-departure bubble camp at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani in anticipation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The team of eight persons including a technical team and sparring partners will support the sole qualifier, Faith Wanjiku Ogallo who is beaming with confidence ahead of the looming global games in Tokyo in a month’s time.

 Faith, scheduled to represent Kenya in the Olympics after qualifying at the Africa Taekwondo Olympic Qualification Tournament, said her Taekwondo journey started at the University of Kibabii, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work.

This is the second time that Kenya will be represented in Taekwondo at the Olympic games, the first time being in 2008.

Faith recalled that her newfound glory was steered after she bagged a Silver medal at the All-Africa games when she was just a junior.

Faith has also continued to gain dominance in the sport by winning other medals.

“Among the medals, I celebrate the most are a gold medal from the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Cup and another gold medal in the East Africa University Games that were held at the University of Dodoma,” she explained.

“The reason why I keep fighting is that I want Kenya’s Taekwondo team to become even better than it is currently. I will continue to train and inspire others into Taekwondo as I look forward to the Olympic Games. My goal is to change the face of sport in Kenya by winning an Olympic medal.”

After covid testing upon arrival to the camp, Faith will continue training in preparation for the much-anticipated Tokyo 2020 Olympics.