Fencer Alexandra Ndolo is edging closer to sealing Paris 2024 Olympics qualification but fears she may miss the upcoming events due to unfulfilled promises from the Ministry of Sports.
Ndolo is ranked top of the Africa Paris 2024 qualifiers ahead of Algeria’s Taleb Batoul and Morocco’s Bousfiha Chloe.
“I am very grateful for the support government and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya gave me during the African and World Championships,” said Ndolo.
“However, CS Ababu Namwamba promised me he’d help me at the upcoming qualifiers but I haven’t heard from him. He’s neither picking my calls nor answering my texts,” Ndolo alleged.
Kenya funded Ndolo’s journey to the African and World Championships alongside a coach and a physio.
The next phase of qualifiers are set for in Vancouver, Estonia, Qatar, Barcelona, Hungary and China between November 2023 and March 2024.
“As it stands, I can’t lose at the qualification but if I don’t attend the next qualifiers, my opponents can take advantage and bat me to it,” bemoaned Ndolo.
She alleged that the Sh3m she used during the last two championships has not been refunded by the Ministry of Sports as promised.
“I spent all my savings to fund the qualification. As it stands I can’t afford a ticket to fly home. Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omanyala were recently awarded by the government and I feel I deserve some appreciation too especially after winning the Africa championships and finishing 11th in the world,” added Ndolo.
“It’s not like I’m trying to boost my ego but I’m used in Germany when you represent well you get rewarded. I need to do a prep camp in September to prepare my body for the fencing season.”
“I am thankful to Nock. They are really good guys but, as champion, I don’t want to go begging.”
Ndolo needs up to Sh950,000 to complete the qualifiers.
“If I don’t get the funding, I won’t go. Whenever I don’t go, I lose a position,” she said.
Ndolo is hoping she can become the first Kenyan to play fencing at the Olympics in Paris next year.
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