As the Olympic Games concluded in Paris, the Kenyan Paralympic team has shifted its focus to their training camp in Compiegne, approximately 79.3 kilometers from the French capital. With the Paralympic Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8, the team is determined to improve its performance from the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, where they secured a bronze medal.
Leading the team is Samwel Mushai, a decorated Paralympic champion eyeing his fourth appearance at the Games. Alongside him is his deputy, Asiya Sururu, a rower who shares his optimism about the training camp in Compiegne. They both believe that the camp will play a crucial role in helping the athletes acclimatize and fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Games.
According to Team Kenya Chef De Mission Dennis Muga, the team’s preparations have been comprehensive, aimed at creating the best possible conditions for the athletes. The camp consists of 14 athletes and seven guides, each focused on delivering a memorable performance in Paris. “We have endeavored to provide the best in camp for the team,” Muga stated, emphasizing their commitment to excellence.
Mushai, who aims to reclaim his 5,000m T11 title, is confident in the team’s readiness. He reminisces about his Paralympic journey, which began with a silver medal in the 1,500m T11 at the 2008 Beijing Games. Four years later, he won gold in the same event at the 2012 London Paralympics, setting a world and games record. His success continued with another gold in the 5,000m T11 at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Reflecting on the team’s training, Mushai said, “We loaded enough in Kenya, and that gave us good endurance in athletics. We now focus on speed work in Compiegne, heading into Paris.”
Sururu echoed Mushai’s sentiments, noting that the structured training in Compiegne marks a significant improvement from the previous Games, where the athletes trained individually. “Things are quite different now,” she explained. “We are happy because we had a camp in three places in Kenya before coming here in Compiegne. The camp will help us focus and prepare well for the games.”
Muga highlighted the importance of providing the athletes with familiar Kenyan cuisine, including Ugali and chicken, to ensure their comfort and nutrition. The team, representing five disciplines — athletics, cycling, taekwondo, rowing, and powerlifting — arrived in Compiegne in two batches. The exceptions were taekwondo athletes Julieta Moipo and Stency Neema and javelin thrower Sheila Wanyonyi, who are still training in Kenya.
The decision to base the training camp in Compiegne was strategic, with Muga pointing out the accessibility and technical support available for para-sports in the area. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, expecting at least two gold medals from the athletes. Muga singled out 1,500m T11 bronze medallist Nancy Chelangat, John Lokedi (5,000m T46), and Wesley Sang (1,500m T13) as strong contenders.
With the team’s preparations in full swing, the Kenyan athletes are poised to make their mark at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Their determination, combined with the support and facilities in Compiegne, sets the stage for a potentially historic performance in Paris.
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