Omanyala, Atuka confirmed flag bearers in Paris Olympics opening ceremony

The honor of carrying the Kenya National Flag at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony has been bestowed upon Ferdinand Omanyala and Triza Atuka.

Omanyala is making his second Olympic appearance after debuting at the Tokyo Olympic Games where he made history by reaching the semifinals and will become the sixth Kenyan flag bearer from Athletics.

He joins the esteemed ranks of Kipchoge Keino (1964, 1972), Patrick Sang (1992), Paul Tergat (1996), Kennedy Ochieng (2000), and Grace Momanyi (2008).

Atuka, the women's volleyball captain, will join Omanyala in leading the Kenyan team as they join over 200 other countries at the historic Nations Parade on Friday. The opening ceremony signifies the official commencement of the Olympic Games.

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Both athletes received the news while at the Miramas camp and expressed their excitement about the appointment.

"I was the flag bearer in Birmingham, but this one for the Olympics—it's my time, and I am feeling nervous yet excited." Said Omanyala

Paris 2024 marks the second occasion where Kenya will have two flag bearers, one male and one female.

Former national rugby 7s team captain, Andrew Amonde, and the former volleyball captain, Mercy Moim, were the flag bearers at Tokyo 2020.

For the first time in history, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will be held outside of a stadium. The ceremony will take place along the River Seine in Paris, with each country positioned on different boats.

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Team Kenya Overall Captains: Faith Kipyegon and Tony Omondi

The role of team captains in the Olympics extends beyond leading their respective sports. As overall captains, Faith Kipyegon and Tony Omondi will play crucial roles in fostering team spirit, unity, and motivation among all athletes representing Kenya.

Their leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Team Kenya performs at its best, both on and off the field.

Kipyegon Kipyegon recently broke her world record in the women's 1,500 meters at the Diamond League track and field meeting in Paris, finishing in 3:49.04, surpassing her previous record of 3:49.11 set in Italy last year.

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While appointing her, athletes commented on her Faith being viewed as a role model and source of inspiration, embodying the values of sportsmanship.

Omondi's journey is one of redemption. After missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, he rose above challenges to become co-captain of the Rugby team and now serves as the overall captain.

His ability to lead by example and support their teammates will be pivotal in navigating the challenges and pressures of competing on the world’s biggest stage.

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