Olympian Alexandra Ndolo calls for more investment in Fencing sport in Kenya

Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo has emphasized on the need for enhanced support and investment to grow the Fencing sport in the country.

Ndolo made her Olympics debut but lost by a slim margin of one point in the Women’s Epee fencing category, bowing out in the round of 32 to Ukraine’s Olena Kiriviska on Saturday at the Paris Olympic Games.

“I hope Kenya can grow in the fencing sport, we need to develop the sport further, bringing more stability and professionalism to the organization. I have been managing everything on my own for the past two years and it has not been easy,” noted Ndolo.

She added: “Other competitors have large support systems, allowing them to focus solely on their performance. If Kenya could create an environment where athletes are not also acting as their own team managers, I believe we could achieve even greater success.”

Despite the setback, Ndolo is optimistic of a good performance in the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

“This was my first Olympics and the scale of the event was overwhelming, fencing in front of 7,000 spectators, where the noise and distractions made it difficult to hear my coach, was a new experience for me. I will regroup and plan well to deliver a better performance in Los Angeles,” she said.