Paris 2024: Missing sight of ugali won't stop Cherotich from living her dream

Kenyan judoka Zeddy Cherotich training in Miramas, France. [NOC-K Media]

Even though Zeddy Cherotich says she's missed eating ugali, chapati and mursik, the Kenyan judoka is more than determined to leave a mark on her Olympic debut.

She will begin her quest against Portugal's Patricia Sampaio at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Thursday at 11.12am.

Cherotich etched her name in judo history when she became the first Kenyan woman to qualify for the sport at the Olympics after garnering 384 points in the rankings from the continental qualification.

And after an impressive performance that saw her claim a silver medal from last year’s International Judo Federation (IJF) Grand Slam in Astana, Kazakhstan, and two gold medals from the IJF Grand Prix (Australia 2019 in -70kg and Almada 2023 in -78kg), the 34-year-old Kenya Defence Forces sergeant is ready to add another feather on her cap in the -78kg category.

“Honestly, I really miss ugali, chapati and mursik. They are all not on the menu here, but Paris is a nice city. I’ve adapted quickly to the new environment and I even enjoyed eating githeri today,” Cherotich spoke of her menu during an interview at the Olympic Village.

“Though last week I was a bit nervous, I think right now I’m ready for the competition. The World Championships really gave me good exposure and what to expect in this competition. I want to be in the medal bracket that’s my target here in Paris.”

While Cherotich, who is among the 12 women from Africa competing in Judo, is fully aware of the task lying ahead of her, she feels her participation in the Games will open more opportunities to upcoming athletes back in Kenya.

“I do have a lot of pressure because the younger generation, especially ladies, are really looking up to me. So, I just pray that everything will happen as planned,” she said.

“The first time I learnt that I had qualified for the Olympics, I wasn’t sure about it, but I received calls of congratulations from many people and everyone around me was very happy. This is a big achievement for me."

“But I feel my participation in the Olympics is going to open more doors for many people, especially the young generation ahead of the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics. I’m encouraging all of them to take the sport seriously and it will take them places.”

Just like any other athlete, Cherotich, who had a short pre-Olympics camp in Miramas, has faced different challenges on her road to stardom.

“Judo is not easy, especially the training itself; it’s not for the fainthearted, it needs patience. But if you are focused and determined, nothing is impossible,” she said.

"They say, never quit or never lose, should I fail to win anything in the Olympics, I won’t give up. I will continue training."

Though Cherotich’s coach David Busolo is wary of the threat posed by Sampaio, he believes she has what it takes to secure a podium finish.