History Maker! Kenyan Skier Ashley Ogonga qualifies for Olympic Games
19th December 2023
She becomes the first ever African female cross-country skier to qualify for the games.
- Ongonga made it to the games which is slated to begin on Friday, January 19 based on the International Ski Federation (FSI) rankings that was released on Monday, December 18.
- She is based in Ingeborg Bachmann International Ski College in Italy.
- Ongonga, who holds a dual citizenship, follows the footsteps of Phillip Boit, who graced the 1998 Winter Olympic Games which was staged in Nagano, Japan.
Kenyan cross country skier Ashley Tshanda Ongonga has
entered her name into history books after booking a ticket to the 2024 Winter
Youth Olympic Games.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) broke the
good news on Tuesday, December 19.
“Team Kenya’s Christmas gift arrives early as Ashley Tshandao Ngong’a qualifies for the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics in January 2024!” read a statement from the body which is under the leadership of legendary runner Paul Tergat.
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Ongonga made it to the games which is slated to begin on
Friday, January 19 based on the International Ski Federation (FSI) rankings
that was released on Monday, December 18.
The youngster, who has achieved incredible successes in
national and regional championships becomes the first ever African female cross-country skier to qualify for the games.
Ongonga, who is based in Ingeborg Bachmann International Ski College in Italy, was sent to a 14-day training camp in South Korea earlier this year alongside Issa Laborde.
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The programme which took place between July 5 and July 18
was aimed at providing individuals from developing countries a chance to
improve their skills.
Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba could not hide
his joy after receiving the news regarding Ngong’a’s qualification.
“Hooray Ashley Tshanda Ongonga, brilliant young Kenyan athlete who has made history by qualifying for Cross-Country Skiing at the Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, 19 Jan - 1 Feb 2024.
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In growing Kenyan sports, we are exploring horizons
hitherto unexplored, covering every blade of grass, every grain of sand.
Leaving no one behind. Talanta Hela is real,” part of Namwamba’s statement
read.
Ongonga, who holds a dual citizenship, follows the footsteps
of Phillip Boit, who graced the 1998 Winter Olympic Games which was staged in
Nagano, Japan.
Kenya’s alpine skier Sabrina Wanjiku has also done a wonderful job representing the nation in various competitions around the universe.
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