Kenyan Fencer Alexandra Ndolo lost narrowly by one point, thus exiting the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after losing 12-13 to Olena Kryvytska of Ukraine in the round of 32.
Ndolo had been given a bye in the round of 64.
In an interview with Capital Sports, Ndolo said she was hopeful of progressing into the medal bracket to hand Kenya its first ever in the women’s Epee Fencing category.
“I lost by one touch. I gave my best because sudden death can go either way. I wish I could progress to the next round since I was determined to give Kenya a medal, but I am sorry it did not go my way,” she said.
In an emotional post on her social media, Ndolo thanked everyone who supported her and promised to come back stronger.
“Still searching for the right words to say. For now, I just want to thank everyone who supported me along my way and those who always have my back. And thank you for all the messages that received me since yesterday, it‘s great to see all the love and support,”
“It will take some time to be able to describe my feelings and thoughts, but it‘s safe to say that I am beyond grateful for this experience and will come back stronger! Thank you.” Ndolo said.
Alexandra Ndolo is a Kenyan German-born épée fencer.
With the sport being unpopular in Kenya, she became the first woman to ever represent the country on an international stage.
Fencing is a combat sport that involves the use of a sword—épée, foil, or sabre—for attack and defence according to set movements and rules. Points are awarded through the sword’s contact with the body of a participant.
The left-handed épée fencer previously represented Germany before switching to compete for Kenya in 2022. She boasts an impressive career, racking up several medals in the junior and senior championships.
