Paris Olympics: Judo star Zeddy Cherotich targeting podium finish

Zeddy Cherotich admits that she is under pressure to deliver Kenya's first medal in Judo, female category in the fast approaching Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The Kenya Defense Forces Judoka, who also graced the World Championship in Abu Dhabi before her Olympic Games qualification, landed in Miramas on Sunday where she has been training before proceeding to Paris for the Games which are slated for 26th July to 11th August, 2024.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Cherotich said she will make it count in Paris after getting the opportunity to showcase her craft at the biggest stage, adding that she is determined to excel at the Olympic Games, becoming the first Kenyan feminine Judoka to qualify for the Games,   a dream come true for the Kenya Judo Federation (KJF).

"We thank God we have arrived safely. This is my first time in France and in the Olympics, my expectation is to reach the medal bracket and I just pray to God, to give me the needed strength and I will handle the rest. Making it to the podium is all that I am focusing on,” she said.

The 34-year-old confirmed her place in the Judo heavyweight category in the upcoming Summer Olympic Games showpiece after amassing 384 points in the rankings from the continental qualification, and will be among the 12 women from Africa who will compete in Judo.

"When I heard I had qualified for the Olympics I could not believe it because it's never easy to qualify for these games. But now that I am here and being the first Kenyan feminine to take part in Judo I am going to give my best and make Kenyans proud," she added.

"Kenyans should hope for the best, especially in Judo. Though, it's a sport that is not popular in Kenya but I am hopeful my performance here (at Olympics) might lure upcoming athletes to Judo,” she added.

Cherotich is under the tutelage of coaches David Busolo and Japanese Assura Yosuke, who was seconded to the Kenya Judo Federation by the world governing body IGF.

The two are working around the clock to ensure that the athlete is in good shape to compete effectively ahead of the Olympics that kick-off this weekend.