Like Father, Like Daughter: Stacy aims to kick higher than her father Dock in taekwondo

In the outskirts of Kisumu City, at a small gym in Nyamasaria, a legacy is being nurtured, one kick at a time.

At just 19-years-old, Stacy Dock has already etched her name into the annals of Kenyan Taekwondo, following closely in the footsteps of her father, Vincent Dock, a former national Taekwondo captain.

With a gold medal from the 2024 Korean Ambassadors Cup and dreams of Olympic glory, Stacy is not just chasing records—she’s continuing a legacy.

Stacy’s father, Vincent Dock, is a household name in Kenyan taekwondo. A former national team captain, Vincent’s career was cut short as he battled cancer, from which he has since recovered.

Now, he devotes his time to training his daughter, guiding her with the same discipline and passion that once made him a national champion.

“Training with my father is the best thing any player could wish for,” Stacy says. “He knows me in and out, which helps me develop as an athlete and bring out the best in myself.”

For Vincent, it has never been easy to be a father and coach to her daughter.

“Being a father and a coach comes with challenges. As a teenager, she sometimes feels I am pushing her because I am the father, and I need to be soft to her. But, with time, we worked on this, built friendship and connection between us, and when it is time for training, we focus on training, out of training, the fatherhood comes, and now we enjoy working together,” he said.

Stacy’s journey into the world of taekwondo began almost as soon as she could walk.

“I was inspired by the art of it—the way my dad did stretches and air kicks. Seeing his medals hanging all over the house, I wanted to have some of my own,” she recalls.

Her fascination with taekwondo wasn’t just about the physical prowess, but also about the discipline and the achievements she saw in her father. Vincent’s career in taekwondo was marked by seven Kenya Open gold titles, four Korean Ambassadors Cup gold medals, and a silver medal. Despite never having a coach himself, Vincent excelled in the sport, an achievement that continues to inspire Stacy.

“The fact that he never had a coach but still went to tournaments and won medals is what really motivates me,” Stacy reflects. “It made taekwondo my first and only choice when it came to sports.”

At their training base in Nyamasaria, Stacy’s routine is rigorous and disciplined. With her father’s guidance, she trains three times a day, beginning early in the morning and continuing late into the evening.

“My training routine advanced after finishing high school. Now, I train at 6am, then at 10am with my teammates, and again at 7pm,” Stacy says. “It’s all about commitment and dedication.”

Being a self-sponsored athlete presents significant challenges. “In taekwondo, you need protective gear and training equipment, which I’m currently limited to,” Stacy notes.

The distance between her home and the gym also poses logistical challenges, sometimes requiring her to run to training sessions.

However, Stacy’s resilience shines through. “All these challenges shape my mindset. One has to go through hardships to be the best,” she says.

Stacy’s hard work has started to pay off. She has already secured two gold medals in the Korean Ambassadors Cup this year, including a recent victory in Uganda. Winning in the 2024 edition held in Rwanda was particularly special for her.

“It took hard work, commitment, and having a coach who believes in you. Winning a gold medal in an international tournament sets a platform for an athlete,” Stacy says. “It means I have to maintain my standards and achieve more in my career.”

“My main goal is to be an Olympic champion,” she declares with conviction. With eyes set on the next Olympics, she knows that every competition is a stepping stone towards her ultimate dream.

Currently a student at Kenyatta University, Stacy is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sports Management, which helps her balance her academic and athletic pursuits.

For Stacy, the journey is not just about personal achievement. It’s about carrying forward the legacy her father left behind and inspiring a new generation of Kenyan athletes.