Omanyala, Atuka to carry Kenyan flag at Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka will be the Kenyan flag-bearers during the unique opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games to be held on Friday on River Reine in Paris, France.

The two were selected by the National Olympics Committee of Kenya's commission and board to carry the Kenyan flag at the historic opening ceremony, that will be the first in Olympic's history to be held away from a stadium.

32-year-old Atuka makes her Olympic debut after missing the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games through an injury, while Omanyala will be making his second Olympics appearance, with pressure mounting on him to deliver his first medal in the global showpiece.

Former Kenya Sevens rugby team captain Andrew Amonde and his Malkia Strikers' counterpart Mercy Moim carried the Kenyan flag during the Tokyo Olympic Games that were held in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Team Kenya will be captained by Shujaa co-captain Tony Omondi and two-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon.

Shujaa were the first team to arrive at the Olympic Village on Friday, followed by Malkia Strikers.

Team Kenya comprises of 79 athletes who will represent Kenya at the Summer Games set to officially start on July 26 to August 11, 2024.