How a gift from Ferdinand Omanyala has opened doors abroad for Alexandra Ndolo

How a gift from Ferdinand Omanyala has opened doors abroad for Alexandra Ndolo

Joel Omotto 11:30 - 03.04.2024

German-born Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo has detailed how a gift she received from sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala strengthened her resolve represent the country at Paris Olympics.

German-born Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo has revealed how a Kenyan bracelet given to her by Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has seen her become a household name among Kenyans in the diaspora.

Ndolo described the bracelet as one that has helped endear her to fans during her numerous travels around the world, one of the key things that have fueled her desire to ensure she qualifies for the Paris Olympics and represent Kenya.

The 37-year-old sealed her ticket to Paris last month but had to endure a number of financial challenges. She, however, says she never gave up because of her desire to want to put a smile on the faces of Kenyans who have stood with her and made her a celebrity, thanks in part to the bracelet.

“It is so great when I travel and see Kenya,” Ndolo told NTV. “The funny thing is that I got this bracelet a little over a year ago from my good friend Ferdi Omanyala and I did not understand what this bracelet means that all over the world. People are like; ‘Oh my God, you too, I’m Kenyan, you’re Kenyan and when I travel I see Kenyans.”

“When I’m in Germany or diaspora, I see the kind of joy it gives Kenyans and I’m representing them and they know here is the new champion that is doing it for us.

“I am doing it with my country on my back, not just my last name or my father’s name. I also like to see how I can connect the diaspora and Kenya when I’m back home.

“We are four million Kenyans in the diaspora that I can connect with and I love it that I can be their first contact with Kenya. We are like ambassadors for the country and sports is the best way to do this.”

The Cologne-based fencer made history when she became the first Kenyan to qualify for the Olympics in the rare sport after finishing 11th at her final qualification tournament in Nanjing, China last month.

Ndolo needed to be the highest-ranked African by the end of April to seal an Olympics ticket for Kenya and after her latest performance, she is now 15th on the International Fencing Federation world ranking with the next African being Algeria's Ines El Batoul Taleb, who is ranked 41st globally.

Most importantly, Ndolo has 84 points while Taleb has 39, a big lead that the North African cannot overtake and has now started her preparations for the Olympics.

She will join her friend Omanyala on the plane to Paris and Kenyans will be hoping that the two can make history by winning medals in events that country has never succeeded in at the Olympics before.

Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.