Kenya’s newly-crowned Paralympics silver medalist, Samson Ojuka, is urging the government and sports stakeholders to channel more resources into field events. Fresh off his historic achievement at the Paris Paralympics, Ojuka is not only celebrating his personal success but also advocating for the future of Kenyan athletics in disciplines often overshadowed by track events.
Ojuka won silver in the men’s long jump T37 final at the 2024 Paralympic Games, setting a new African record with a leap of 6.20 meters on his fourth attempt. This remarkable feat not only placed him on the podium but also shattered the previous African record of 6.05 meters, which was set by South Africa’s Andrea Dalle Ave in 2015.
“I feel incredibly proud to have represented my country on the global stage and even prouder to bring home Kenya’s first-ever Paralympic medal in the long jump,” Ojuka said upon his return from Paris. His achievement is historic and has thrust the spotlight onto field events, a category where Kenya has not traditionally excelled but now stands poised to make significant gains.
The Importance of Investing in Field Events
While Kenya has long been known as a powerhouse in track events, particularly in middle- and long-distance running, field events like the long jump have been largely neglected. Ojuka’s success in Paris has reignited conversations about the untapped potential in these disciplines, especially among para athletes.
Ojuka believes that for Kenya to increase its medal haul at global competitions, such as the Paralympics and World Championships, the focus must expand beyond track events. “The government needs to invest in finding and nurturing younger talents in field events. There is a wealth of potential in Kenya, not only in para sports but in conventional athletics as well,” Ojuka emphasized.
His call for investment is not just about financial support but also about creating infrastructure and programs that will allow young athletes to develop their skills in field events. This includes access to quality training facilities, coaching, and opportunities for competition at both the national and international levels.
“There are young athletes in Kenya who have the potential to excel in field events, but without proper support, that talent goes unnoticed. It’s time to think beyond track events and look at the bigger picture of what Kenya can achieve in global athletics,” he added.
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A Long Road to Success
Ojuka’s journey to Paralympic glory has not been an easy one. The 27-year-old has competed in three World Championships before finally winning his first international medal in Paris. He made his debut at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai and competed again in 2023 in Paris and 2024 in Kobe, Japan. However, it wasn’t until the Paralympic Games in 2024 that Ojuka secured a place on the podium.
Reflecting on his earlier experiences, Ojuka admits that the road to success was filled with challenges. “Competing on the global stage without winning a medal was tough, but it taught me resilience and the importance of persistence. My journey is a testament to the fact that success doesn’t come overnight, but with dedication and hard work, it’s possible.”
Ojuka’s silver medal win has opened a new chapter in his career. As a final-year law student at Kenyatta University, he is balancing his academic pursuits with his athletic ambitions. Despite the demands of his studies, Ojuka remains committed to excelling in athletics and is already looking toward the future.
Eyeing the World Record
After setting a new African record in Paris, Ojuka has his sights set even higher: breaking the world record in the long jump T37 category. The current world record stands at 6.44 meters, and Ojuka is determined to surpass it in the coming years.
“I’m motivated by what I’ve achieved so far, but I’m not done yet. I want to push myself further and hopefully break the world record in the future. I believe it’s within reach, and with the right preparation, I can get there,” he said.
Ojuka’s ambition extends beyond personal achievements. He hopes his success will inspire other para athletes to pursue field events and encourage more people to participate in sports, regardless of their physical abilities.
“We’re starting to earn medals in these events, and that’s exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing more athletes join the field. It’s important to show that para sports have as much potential as any other category,” Ojuka added.
Paving the Way for Future Success
Samson Ojuka’s silver medal at the Paralympics has not only elevated his career but also highlighted the need for greater attention to field events in Kenya. His call for investment is a timely reminder that with the right resources and support, Kenya can excel in more than just track events.
Ojuka’s achievement marks a turning point for para athletics in Kenya, and he hopes it will inspire the next generation of athletes. By focusing on field events and providing opportunities for young talent to grow, Kenya could see a surge in success at future international competitions.
As Ojuka continues his journey toward breaking the world record, he remains a symbol of determination, resilience, and the potential for greatness in Kenya’s often-overlooked field events.
