Former Kenya Sevens ace Oscar Dennis over the moon after maiden Paralympics

Former Kenya Sevens star Oscar Dennis has expressed immense joy and pride after making his Paralympic Games debut in Paris, France.

The talented athlete, who transitioned to para-athletics following a career-ending injury, competed in the men's cycling T47 event.

The milestone marked a significant moment for Dennis who retired from rugby after a life-altering accident in August 2020. He was involved in a crash on his bike, forcing him to step away from the sport at just 27 years old.

At the Paralympics, Dennis was stepping in for the injured Benson Mwaniki to pilot Kennedy Ogada in the Tandem Road Race B1.

The former Nondies RFC player admitted that the experience was beyond his wildest dreams.

“On the world stage in Paris, I was filled with immense pride and gratitude. Competing at the Paralympics is more than just a personal achievement for me; it is a testament to my journey of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering support of my family, friends, coaches, physios, surgeons, and everyone who believed in me,” he offered.

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After his tragic accident, Dennis narrowly avoided two amputation surgeries. He has been through it all, including surgeries, skin grafts and the insertion of pins in his toes and feet. Despite the hurdles, he was determined to live his dream of representing Kenya at the highest stage; the Olympics.

“It’s been a journey filled with countless hours of training, rehab, surgeries, pushing limits, and overcoming plenty of obstacles. There were times when the path seemed very uncertain, but the dream was always there and remained clear – to represent Kenya on the Olympic/Paralympic stage,” he continued.

He went ahead to express his heartfelt gratitude to his support system, acknowledging their crucial role in his journey so far. The multitalented athlete promised that this was just the beginning, stating that even greater achievements lay ahead in his career.

“This is not just my victory. It is our victory. To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let us continue to inspire and break barriers together,” he concluded.

Dennis made his Shujaa debut during the 2014 Safari Sevens under coach Paul Treu. He went on to enjoy a successful career with the national team, including winning the 2019 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens title and making his HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series debut under coach Paul Murunga.

Before playing rugby, the multi-talented athlete excelled in various sports, including hockey, cricket, swimming, and athletics.