Judo ace Cherotich eyes podium finish at Paris 2024

Trailblazing Zeddy Cherotich is focused on finishing in the medal bracket in her first Olympic Games appearance in Judo in this year’s edition in Paris, France.

The 34-year-old’s sentiments come after becoming the first Kenyan female player to qualify for the quadrennial summer games.

She is currently preparing herself at a residential camp in Kasarani and is confident that she will do well in Paris.

“My expectation is to finish in the medal bracket, and I pray to God to give me the strength and energy to focus on my goal of earning an Olympic medal.” Said Zeddy.

While at the camp in Kasarani, she is training under her coach, David Busolo, who has assured her readiness for the Olympic Games.

Busolo is collaborating with Japanese coach Utashuro Yusuke to train Zeddy.

“We are taking advantage of using the Japanese coach as we prepare Zeddy for this period, which is when we are in a residential camp before she goes to the Olympics.

“We are hopeful that we are going to achieve what we have longed for.” Said Busolo.

The Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant also participated in the world championships in Abu Dhabi before qualifying for the Olympic Games and will be among the 12 players from Africa who will participate in Judo during the Olympic games in Paris.

Zeddy was a javelin thrower for 13 years, winning the national title in 2011 and 2014 before she decided to switch professions and joined Judo in 2022.

This year, she participated in the African Games in Ghana before qualifying for the semi-finals in Egypt in the African Open Championships after being eliminated at the quarter-final stage in the previous edition in Morocco in 2023.

She also participated in the world championships in Abu Dhabi before qualifying for the Olympic Games and will be among the 12 players from Africa who will participate in Judo during the Olympic games in Paris.