After a challenging start at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, Team Kenya is poised for a pivotal day with two gold medals within reach. Following a string of disappointing performances, the Kenyan contingent is determined to turn things around and secure their first medals of the competition.
Saturday proved tough for the team, with Sheila Wanyonyi finishing ninth in the Women’s Javelin Throw F13 final. Her best throw of 28.44 meters fell short, as China’s Zhao Yuping claimed the gold with a world-record throw of 47.06 meters.
In the Men’s 1,500m T46 final, Wesley Sang was unable to match the pace, finishing 12th in a race where Ireland’s Greta Streimikyte set a new European record. Meanwhile, John Lokedi placed sixth in the Men’s 5,000m T13 final, clocking 16:10.06, with Spain’s Yassine Ouhdadi winning the event in 15:50.64.
Despite these setbacks, hope is not lost. Kenya’s best chance for a medal rests on the shoulders of Asiya Sururu, who will compete in the PR1 Women’s Single Sculls final.
Sururu advanced to the final after finishing fifth in the repechage on Saturday, narrowly missing automatic qualification in Friday’s heats. Her determination and grit in the repechage have given Kenya a glimmer of hope for their first podium finish.
In addition to Sururu’s final, three Kenyan athletes are set to compete in the Women’s 1,500m T11 heats on Sunday. Mary Waithera Njoroge, Nancy Chelangat Koech, and P. Jepkemei will represent Kenya in their respective heats, each aiming to advance to the finals and potentially secure another medal for the team.
As Sunday approaches, the anticipation is palpable. With Sururu leading the charge in the PR1 Women’s Single Sculls and the 1,500m T11 athletes ready to compete, the question lingers: will Team Kenya seize their first gold at the Paris Paralympics?
