Okutoyi reveals her plan in bid for 2028 LA Olympics

The former junior Wimbledon finalist says her preparations are already in motion, with a clear focus on accumulating consistent ranking points on the international circuit.

Okutoyi has secured an Olympic Solidarity scholarship for the second time and believes the support will be instrumental in sharpening her build-up to the global showpiece.

She expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and the Kenya Tennis Federation for renewing their faith in her, noting that the scholarship will ease her training and competition demands as she pushes for Olympic qualification.

“I have already started my preparation and my goal is to improve my ranking points so that I can qualify through ranking instead of waiting for the African Games. Am determined to break into the top 400 but if it doesn’t work, I aim to win the All-African games again and break into top 100 why not,” said Okutoyi.

“I am very happy to receive this scholarship again and I am determined to work hard, qualify for LA 2028 and bring medals for the country,” she added. 

The African Games champion is among eight Kenyan athletes awarded a one-million-shilling Olympic Solidarity scholarship aimed at boosting preparations for the 2028 Games.

The programme, run under NOCK’s Individual Athlete Scholarship Scheme, is designed to help athletes prepare adequately for international competitions without the financial strain that often hampers elite performance.

Other beneficiaries include fencing star Alexandra Ndolo, shooters Priscilla Mburu Wangui (air rifle), weightlifters Joshua Amunga Mboya and Juliana Anyango Ongonga, swimmers Haniel Maindi Bwaku Kudwoli and Sara Faustyna Mose, and wrestler Mahabila Mathayo Matonya.

All the selected athletes will receive funding from 2025 to 2028 to support training, competition exposure, coaching and athlete welfare.

For Okutoyi, the 2022 Wimbledon junior doubles champion, the focus now shifts to delivering strong performances on the ITF tour to improve her ranking and strengthen her chances of making history at the Los Angeles Olympics.