Two Taekwondo athletes head to Miramas for training camp

• The two athletes will train in France for three weeks
• They will be preparing for the Olympic Games
• Kenya has chosen Miramas City for its pre-Olympics training camp

Team Kenya’s path to the Paris 2024 Olympics has been set in motion as the first team from the second batch, representing Taekwondo, prepares to depart for a three-week training camp.

This significant development comes as a fruit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) inked last year between the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and the City of  Miramas.

This partnership is designed to bolster elite athlete preparation and performance on the international stage.

Leading the charge are two exceptional athletes, Jully Musangi, ranked 53rd globally, and Faith Ogallo, holding the 50th rank in the world.

Over the next three weeks, these formidable athletes will engage in rigorous training, dedicating themselves to honing their skills and fortifying their spirits.

Participate in ranking tournaments

NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku passing his regards to Faith Ogallo

Beyond the confines of the training grounds, Musangi and Ogallo will participate in crucial ranking tournaments across Europe, including Poland and possibly Paris.

Their participation in these tournaments aims to elevate their ranks and bring them closer to securing a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Speaking during the send-off, Secretary General Francis Mutuku spoke on the significance of this opportunity for the athletes.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Miramas, and NOC-K, we are providing our athletes with opportunities to qualify and excel in elite competitions. This partnership stands as a testament to our commitment in enhancing athlete training and preparation.”

The athletes will be guided by experienced coaches from France who will accompany them during competitions across Europe, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of performance, fitness, and skills. “Our performance is a reflection of our training,” emphasized the Secretary General.

Ogallo, an Olympian in the +67kgs Olympic weight category, expressed her gratitude for the chance to train a year ahead of the Paris Olympics. “This is an incredible opportunity to refine my skills and aim not just to participate, but to secure a place on the podium.”

First training camp outside Kenya 

NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku gives his remarks before the athletes travelled to Miramas

Middle-weight Category, Musangi, on the other hand, shared her excitement about her first training camp outside Kenya. “This is a significant milestone for me. Faith has been an inspiration and mentor, and this opportunity is a doorway to realizing my aspirations.”

Musangi’s accomplishments, including her gold medal victory at The 3rd Mount Everest International Open Taekwondo Championships 2022 G-2, serves as a testament to her determination and potential.

The team is set to depart on 1st September, with the Ministry of Sports providing comprehensive support for training, and Miramas offering technical assistance and accommodation. Earlier on in the year, The first batch, which was Athletics, settled in quite well, the team consisted of sprinters led by 100m Commonwealth Champion Omanyala and junior athletes just before the World U-20 in Cali.

Throughout the week, NOC-K will be announcing two more teams to join the Taekwondo athletes this September in Miramas. This collaborative endeavor signifies #TeamKenya’s commitment to nurturing talent and achieving excellence in the coming years.