Elizabeth Andiego, the leader of the Hit Squad, is preparing for another huge assignment: the second phase of the World Olympic qualifications, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 24 to June 2.
Andiego, who won gold at the first Nelson Mandela Cup in South Africa last month, says her goal now is to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“This is a medal that I feel I gave it my all to get. This was like preparation towards the next qualifiers where I will be looking for a third Olympic ticket,” said Andiego.
Andiego did not receive a direct ticket in the middleweight category during the previous World Olympic qualifiers in Senegal and Italy, but she remains hopeful of making it to Thailand.
She has been training with the team at Mathare Police Depot in Nairobi for the past three weeks.
“In the first Africa Olympic qualifiers in Dakar Sporting Arena from September 9-24 last year, I just managed to get a silver medal which was not enough to make me qualify. The first leg of global qualifiers in Busto Arsizio, Italy from March 3-11 this year was not a good outing not only for us but the whole of Africa, where no one qualified.
But I am just looking forward to the next qualifier hoping to get to the Olympics,” added Andiego.
Andiego is among boxers who have been training under a panel of seven coaches led by head coach Musa Benjamin, with an aim of being selected into the final squad that will head to Thailand on May 20.
