That’s great to hear about Zeddy Cherotich! It’s inspiring to see Kenyan athletes making history at the Olympics. Best wishes to her for a successful competition in Paris! If there’s anything else you’d like to know or discuss, feel free to ask.
“I hope to get to Paris in good health. My target is to get a win in my first match. Getting that win will be key to my build-up on the global stage,” Cherotich said.
It’s impressive how Zeddy Cherotich has persisted through multiple competitions to secure her spot at the Olympics. Her dedication and performance reflect her commitment to the sport.
Facing strong competition, especially from athletes like those from Japan, will undoubtedly test her skills and determination. It’ll be exciting to see how she performs and represents Kenya on the international stage.
“This is my first appearance on such a stage. There are a lot of top experienced Judokas like Japan. I expect competition to be very strong,” she noted.
Japan’s Shori Hamada clinched the half-weight crown at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics with Madeleine Malonga of France claiming silver.
Germany’s Anna-Maria Wagner and Brazil’s Mayra Aguiar tied for bronze.She highlighted the pressure of making her maiden appearance at the global extravaganza.
“There is some pressure that comes with representing the country at the Olympics more so because this is a sport that Kenya does not do well in at the Olympics,” she highlighted. No Kenyan judoka has made it past the round of 32 at the Olympics.
The last Kenyan, Kiplagat Sang, was eliminated in the round of 32 in the -90kg category after losing to Hungarian Krisztian Toth.
Cherotich, a former javelin thrower, made the switch to judo in 2022.
“I was an athlete in the javelin throw for over 10 years. I never got a chance to represent the country internationally and decided to switch to judo,” she noted.
Cherotich won two national championships in 2014 (44.65m) and 2011 (47.93m) as well as the KDF title in 2011 (44.84m).
She won bronze at the KDF championships in 2019 (42.17m) and last year at the Ulinzi Sports Complex (41.64m).
The second last born in a family of six highlighted the support from her family as key to her success in judo.
“Making the switch to judo has been one of the best moves of my life. My family has supported me so much,” she noted.
Making history as the first Kenyan female judoka for the Olympics is a dream come true for her.
“I got the call two weeks ago informing me I had made the Olympics. Honestly, I could not believe my ears. I still think I am dreaming up to now,” she stated.
Under the guidance of Coach David Busolo and a Japanese trainer provided by the International Judo Federation, she aims to hone her skills before Paris.
“I want to improve my speed and endurance before Paris. With my coach and trainer, we are also working on tactics, especially how to attack my opponents,” she noted.
Cherotich leaves for Kenya’s camp in Miramas, France, on Wednesday to ramp up preparations, with the round of 64 in the women’s -78kg category set to kick off on August 1.
