Kenya’s Samson Ojuka Ojuka etched his name into the history books at the Paris Paralympic Games, where he secured a silver medal in the men’s long jump, setting a new African record in the process. Competing at the prestigious Stade de France on Tuesday evening, Ojuka’s outstanding leap of 6.20 meters on his fourth attempt earned Kenya its first medal at these Games, bringing immense pride to his nation.
Ojuka, who is also a final-year law student at Kenyatta University, shattered the previous African record of 6.05 meters, which had been held by South Africa’s Andrea Dalle Ave since 2015. His record-breaking performance not only earned him the silver medal but also marked a significant milestone for Kenyan athletics, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess on the international stage.
The men’s long jump event was fiercely contested, with Ojuka facing stiff competition from some of the world’s top Paralympic athletes. Among them was Argentina’s Brian Lionel, who ultimately claimed the gold medal with a leap of 6.42 meters. Despite this, Ojuka’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His leap of 6.20 meters matched that of Brazilian Cardo Evangelista, but Ojuka was awarded the silver medal on a countback, having achieved his distance earlier in the competition.
Reflecting on his achievement, an elated Ojuka expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey. “I am overjoyed. This medal is for everyone who has supported me, especially my family and the Kenyan people. I’m proud to bring this honor to my country,” Ojuka said, beaming with pride.
Ojuka’s journey to the silver medal was a story of perseverance and steady improvement. Earlier in the year, he had set a personal best of 5.73 meters at the World Championships in Kobe, Japan. However, his performance in Paris demonstrated remarkable progress. His second jump of 5.83 meters initially put him in second place, but after a slight dip with a 5.88-meter jump in the third round, he found himself temporarily slipping to sixth position. It was in the fourth round that Ojuka produced his record-breaking leap, catapulting him back into silver medal contention and ultimately securing his place on the podium.
This silver medal is particularly significant for Kenya as it marks the country’s first field event medal at the Paralympic Games since Mary Nakhumicha’s silver in the javelin at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Ojuka’s coach, Henry Nzungi, who is a former Paralympian himself, played a crucial role in guiding Ojuka to this success. Nzungi emphasized the meticulous preparation that went into Ojuka’s training, focusing on both strength and conditioning while fine-tuning his technique during their training camp in Compiegne, France.
Nzungi’s experience and insights as a competitor at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Paralympics were invaluable in helping Ojuka refine his approach to the long jump. Speaking about their preparation, Nzungi shared, “We focused heavily on strength and conditioning in Nairobi, ensuring that Samson was in peak physical form. When we arrived in Compiegne, we shifted our focus to technique—specifically, how Samson approached the runway, his takeoff on the board, and his flight and landing.”
For Ojuka, this silver medal represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Competing in his first Paralympic Games, he has participated in three World Championships prior to this, but had yet to secure a medal on the global stage. His silver medal in Paris is not only a personal triumph but also a significant achievement for African athletes in the Paralympic long jump discipline.
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As Kenya celebrates Ojuka’s historic achievement, the focus now turns to other Kenyan athletes with strong medal prospects. Powerlifter Hellen Wawira and cyclist Kennedy Ogada are set to compete on Wednesday, raising hopes that Kenya’s medal tally at the Paris Paralympic Games will continue to grow.
Ojuka’s success is a testament to the resilience and determination that defines Kenyan athletes. His journey from setting a personal best in Kobe to breaking an African record and winning a silver medal in Paris is an inspiring story that will motivate future generations of athletes. As he looks ahead, Ojuka’s remarkable achievement at the Paris Paralympic Games will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope and possibility for aspiring Paralympians across the continent.
