Kenyan fencing star Alexandra Ndolo qualifies for Paris Olympics

27 March 2024

• Fencing is a combat sport that features sword fighting.

Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo has qualified for the Paris Olympics. She will be the first Kenyan to compete in fencing at the Olympics.

Fencing is a combat sport that features sword fighting. Taking to her socials an excited Ndolo captioned

"Officially qualified and heading to Paris! Being in the Olympics AND being the first Kenyan to compete in Fencing is a dream come true!

to put in the hard work and represent Kenya with everything I’ve got on the big stage. Thanks to my family, friends, coaches, and club for supporting me thus far.

Also a special thanks to my mum for supporting me unconditionally throughout the last months. Grateful to have all of you around me. Let’s make history together!"

She had initially asked for help from the Kenya Federation, stating she risked missing out on the Olympics. In November 2023, she expressed her frustrations via a social media post.

"I will not be participating in the first Worldcup of the 2023/24 season. No Legnano for me.

Yesterday I faced a situation I have never experienced in 15+ years as a professional athlete.I arrived at the competition sight and was informed that I not only had no hotel reservation, but more importantly, was not enrolled in the competition.

I had asked my new Kenyan federation weeks ago to enroll me and asked for hotel reservations for my coach, physio and me.

Even if I had insisted on reserving the hotel myself (I have done it all of last season), I could not have enrolled in the competition myself. This can only be done by federations, not individual athletes."

Ndolo added that if no intervention was made,she would miss the competitions.

"I am beyond frustrated about this situation!! Not competing at this competition means I can’t defend the points I got at last years first Worldcup and as a result I will drop out of the top 16 in the world ranking.

In addition I will not be able to collect crucial points for the ongoing Olympic qualification.

This level of unprofessionalism is in stark contrast to anything I stand for. Months of practice for nothing. But this will not break my determination or self believe!

I will go back home and focus on the next Worldcup in Vancouver. @kenyafencingfederation @officialteamkenya @ababuterrah"