NOC-K officially launches journey to 2024 Paris Olympic Games

It is now 364 days and counting to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and as past and present star athletes, Ministry officials and Delegates gathered for the National Olympic Committee of Kenya - set event Thursday to launch the official countdown, there was a sense of the beginning of the journey to the quadrennial games, but also a touch of history, owing to the country’s existing heritage and pedigree.

It was therefore no surprise to glance and not fail to recognize a star. They were all present to witness the theme - Creating the magic, Supporting Dreams.

To put a special feel into it, Kenya, now standing at 113 total Olympic medals amassed, is set to participate in their 60th Olympic Games since claiming its first medal - a bronze medal won by the late Wilson Kiprugut in the men’s 800 meters - during the country’s 60th year as a Republic.

“It is such a beautiful moment to be alive,” Cabinet secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Ababu Namwamba noted in his speech. “A special moment even as we relive Kenya’s special heritage, the sweat, sacrifice and competition that defines our proud position as Africa’s top Olympic country and station.”

The same message of reflection was made by NOC-K President Paul Tergat, as he recounted the moment Kenya’s flag was raised twice, with millions watching, on the last day of the 2020 Tokyo Games.

“Such moments are so special and signify just how special we are,” Tergat, one of the most accomplished long-distance runners of all time, said. “We should strive to do just that, and fly our flag even higher.”

Reliving the past was one, and importantly so, but there was the other agenda, to prepare and get ready to in Tergat’s words - “paint Kenya’s colors on the world.”

To that, among the senior athletes on-pace to make next year’s games - Julius Yego - challenged his compatriots with his story, and one that dates back to 2004 when he, as a ‘football fan’ watched 3000m athletes win, to him now looking at appearing at the Olympic Games for the fourth time.

“It is a journey that everyone involved is ready to embrace,” Yego, the 2015 World Champion said. “All we ask for is support, both for athletes and their support personnel. That done, we will surely be ready to win in Paris.”

Among the other athletes present were; World cross country champion Beatrice Chebet, basketballer Melissa Akinyi and trailblazing taekwondo athlete Faith Ogallo.

To reassure all the necessary support - in terms of travel documentation and making Paris ‘a perfect home’ for the Kenyan contingent next year - was France Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Amb Arnaud Suquet, who committed to “working together with Kenya through partnerships meant to elevate grassroot sport and infrastructure.”

“We have a plan in place to hold two race events in November and December in Bomet,” Suquet said. “We will, for our athletes, also ensure that you get to enjoy what Paris has to offer. From different historic sites, to our agendas of clamoring for climate change and gender equality. We will do it together.”

365 days ahead: NOC-K reflects on Kenya's pursuit for Olympic glory

It is to be noted that a group of Kenyan athletes will, for their preparations, enter into the Miramas high performance center in France as their training base.

With that, everything was set for the closing moment - where the Olympic baton (signifying future, hope and target) was handed over from the past legendary athletes - to the new generation, whose performances in their respective disciplines will be watched world-over.

“There is no time to waste,” the legendary Kipchoge Keino - who was part of the larger group of past athletes- said during the handover. “You have to put yourself in the best place to succeed, and that starts with preparation. Take your time, train properly, and we will work together with you to accomplish your dreams. The Kip Keino high performance training center is open for you to use.”

Among the stars present alongside Keino were; Ibrahim Bilali, Catherine Ndereba, Wilfred Bungei, Janeth Jepkosgei, Nancy Lagat and Humphrey Kayange.

“Our call to all Kenyans is to support our athletes,” Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei said. “Let’s not put too much pressure especially on our young upcoming athletes. With the right support, we will win. For the athletes, win clean.”

As part of the journey, Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s U23 3x3 basketball team, Kenya’s boxing team - Hit Squad, and fencer Alexandra Ndolo are currently in action, all to chase history.