Parading Kenya’s flag at Olympics opening ceremony will boost performance, Atuka says

Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka says she is happy and privileged to be picked as Kenya’s flag bearer at the unique opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games to be held on Friday on River Reine in Paris, France.

Atuka was selected as a flag bearer alongside Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, by the National Olympics Committee of Kenya's commission and board, to the historic opening ceremony, which will be the first in Olympics’ history to be held away from a stadium.

“I am very humbled to be selected for the role. It is a great privilege and I feel I am ready for the task ahead of the games,” averred Atuka.

Atuka will be making her Olympics 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.

“We have prepared well for the games both at home and during the camp in Miramas. The spirit is high and the team work from all stakeholders is great, so we are ready for the task ahead,” Atuka noted.

Malkia Strikers will open their campaign against third-ranked Brazil on Monday, then take on Poland, ranked seventh in the world, on Wednesday next week, before wrapping up the group stage with a clash against ninth-ranked Japan on August 3rd.

“It a very tough group that we have to take every game as a final. I know the girls will be up to the task to make Kenyans proud,” stated the team captain.