Paralympics: Ojuka calls for more field events investment after Paris heroics

Ojuka won silver at the Paris Paralympics on Tuesday in the men’s long jump T37 final, jumping 6.20metres in the fourth attempt, setting a new African record.

"I feel proud for the opportunity to represent my country at the Paralympic Games. More importantly, I'm very happy to bring the first medal ever in long jump.”

"The government should also look for younger talents which are coming up and they need to invest in sports like the field events. Not only for para athletes but even in the conventional sports. Our medal haul at these championships like Paralympics will grow when we think beyond track events,” he said upon arrival from Paris.

Ojuka, who was making his debut at the Games, had participated in three World Championships- 2019 Dubai, 2023 Paris and 2024 Kobe, Japan-but pulled through without a medal.

The final year law student at Kenyatta University is dreaming big after the Paris exploits that saw him clinch Kenya’s much awaited first medal, and is now eyeing the world record.

"It motivates me because I'm happy at least we are starting to get medals in these types of events. We are looking forward to bringing more people on board. I would also like to break milestones and maybe aim to pursue a world record next time," he added.

Ojuka leapt 6.20m on his fourth attempt to secure Kenya’s first medal at the Paris Games as he obliterated South African Andrea Dalle Ave’s previous African record of 6.05 he set in 2015.