Atuka, participating in her first Olympic Games after missing Tokyo 2020 due to a knee injury, has been nominated as one of the two flag bearers for the opening ceremony on Friday
After two weeks in Miramas for their pre-Olympics training camp, the Kenya women's volleyball team is all set for the start of volleyball action in Paris. The team landed in Paris earlier this week, ready for their Group B matches where they will face powerhouse Brazil, two-time Olympic bronze medallists Poland, and two-time Games champions Japan.
Speaking ahead of their matches, team captain Trizah Atuka expressed excitement about the upcoming games: "It is a dream come true for most of us. As a player, you always dream of playing at the Olympics, and being here is already a great achievement for most of us." She added, "Our stay in Miramas was amazing, and we feel well prepared."
Atuka, participating in her first Olympic Games after missing Tokyo 2020 due to a knee injury, has been nominated as one of the two flag bearers for the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26th, alongside sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala.
"It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to carry the flag. We look forward to making our country proud," she said.
Coached by veteran Japheth Munala and assisted by Josp Barasa, the team of thirteen players aims to win at least one game or even just a set, a feat that has eluded them in their last two appearances in Athens 2004 and Tokyo 2020.
"The ladies are in high spirits after their training in Miramas, especially after the two friendlies, which have helped us identify and address areas of improvement. I'm confident we will perform well," coach Munala said after the team's last training session.
Malkia Strikers will rely on the experience of players who competed in Tokyo, such as assistant captain Edith Wisa, Leonida Kasaya, Lorrine Kaei, Aggripina Kundu, and Sharon Chepchumba, to propel the team to a strong showing when the games begin on July 29th against world number one team Brazil.
Chepchumba, included in the team as the thirteenth player, is racing against time to fully recover.
Kenya will be represented by a total of 83 athletes across various disciplines, including volleyball, rugby, athletics, fencing, swimming, and others.