Kenya’s Zeddy Cherotich experienced a swift and disappointing end to her historic participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, bowing out of the judo competition just 20 seconds into her match against Portuguese judoka Patricia Sampaio in the round of 32. Cherotich, who made history as the first Kenyan woman to compete in judo at the Olympics, faced a tough opponent in Sampaio in the 78kg category.
The highly anticipated match ended almost as soon as it began, with Sampaio securing a waza-ari followed by an ippon to claim victory within the first 20 seconds. Sampaio, ranked 13th in the world and competing in her second Olympics after Tokyo 2020, demonstrated her prowess and experience against Cherotich, who is ranked 74th globally.
Cherotich’s debut at the Olympics may have been brief, but her journey to Paris remains commendable. Her early exit continues a challenging Olympic campaign for Kenya in sports other than athletics. Kenya Sevens finished ninth in rugby sevens, Alexandra Ndolo was eliminated in the first round of fencing, and the Malkia Strikers are facing potential elimination after consecutive losses in women’s volleyball.
Despite the quick defeat, Cherotich’s journey to Paris is a testament to her rapid development and commitment to the sport. Initially pursuing javelin, inspired by the success of Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego, Cherotich switched to judo just two years ago. Her qualification for the Olympics through the judo Olympic qualification rounds via the points and ranking system highlights her determination and significant progress in a relatively short period.
The 25-year-old Sampaio’s victory advances her to the round of 16 at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, underscoring the competitive nature of the Olympic judo tournament. Sampaio’s skill and experience were evident as she quickly took control of the match, leaving Cherotich little room to maneuver or counter. This rapid defeat serves as a stark reminder of the high level of competition present at the Olympics.
Cherotich’s participation in the Olympics, although brief, marks a significant milestone for Kenyan judo. As the first Kenyan woman to compete in judo at the Olympics, she has paved the way for future athletes in the sport. Her journey from javelin to judo, and her rapid rise in the sport, is an inspiring story of resilience and dedication.
Her experience in Paris, while disappointing in terms of results, provides valuable lessons and insights that can be used to improve and grow the sport of judo in Kenya. It highlights the need for more support, resources, and training opportunities for athletes pursuing non-traditional sports in Kenya.
Cherotich’s historic participation has already inspired many young athletes in Kenya who may now consider pursuing judo or other lesser-known sports. Her story emphasizes that with determination and the right support, athletes can achieve significant milestones even in sports where their country has little historical presence or success.
Looking ahead, Cherotich’s focus will likely be on continuing her training and preparation for future competitions. Her rapid development in judo suggests that with more experience and exposure to high-level competitions, she has the potential to achieve greater success. The Kenyan judo community, and sports enthusiasts in general, will be watching her progress with great interest.
In conclusion, while Zeddy Cherotich’s Olympic journey ended quickly, her participation is a significant achievement for Kenyan judo. Her story of transitioning from javelin to judo, qualifying for the Olympics within two years, and competing on the world’s biggest stage is inspiring. It underscores the potential for growth in judo and other non-traditional sports in Kenya. Cherotich’s experience in Paris, though short-lived, is a stepping stone towards greater achievements in the future, and her legacy will inspire the next generation of Kenyan judokas.
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