Kenya’s taekwondo icon and Olympian Faith Ogallo has once again cemented her status as one of Africa’s top martial artists by winning gold in the +73kg category at the African Open Series Zone 5 Taekwondo Championship held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This victory secures her spot in the upcoming African Taekwondo Championships Finals, scheduled to take place later this year in Mali.
Ogallo’s performance at the championship was nothing short of dominant. She displayed remarkable skill and tactical intelligence, defeating opponents from various nations including Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Djibouti, and Somalia. Her triumph not only solidifies her place as one of Africa’s premier taekwondo athletes but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes in Kenya, particularly young women seeking to break into combat sports.
Reflecting on her victory, Ogallo expressed her gratitude and dedication to Kenya, her coaches, and young girls who dream of success in sports. “Taekwondo has shaped my character, built my resilience, and shown me how sport can transform lives,” Ogallo said, underscoring the profound impact the sport has had on her journey.
Ogallo’s rise to prominence in taekwondo is a testament to her dedication and versatility. Initially a basketball player at Kibabii University, Ogallo made a remarkable switch to taekwondo. Just three months after the transition, she claimed her first gold medal at the Rwanda Korean Ambassadors Championship. This early success paved the way for a series of impressive performances, including a silver medal at the 2019 African Games and a seventh-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the women’s +67kg division. Additionally, she won a bronze medal at the 2021 African Taekwondo Championships.
Beyond her competition achievements, Ogallo has made significant contributions to the development of taekwondo and athlete leadership in Kenya. She holds a Diploma in Olympic Studies from the International Olympic Academy, which has equipped her with valuable knowledge on sports management and governance. As a mentor, she actively works with emerging taekwondo talents, including Patience Neema Mwagandi, who also qualified for the upcoming African Championships Finals.
Despite facing challenges such as limited training facilities in her hometown of Bungoma, Ogallo has taken it upon herself to improve the sports infrastructure in Kenya. She is spearheading the development of the Faith Ogallo Climate-Smart World-Class Sports Facility at Kibabii University. This project aims to provide modern, sustainable training facilities for taekwondo and other sports, helping to nurture future champions and elevate the standard of sports in the region.
Ogallo’s continued success and her visionary leadership extend beyond the mat. She is a true role model for Kenyan sport, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to uplifting others, athletes can achieve greatness both in competition and in their communities. Her achievements are a beacon of hope for future generations of Kenyan athletes, and her efforts to build sustainable sports infrastructure ensure that her legacy will continue to inspire long after her competitive career comes to an end.
