Samuel Gathimba: A Journey of Perseverance in Racewalking Towards the Olympic Games Paris 2024
Samuel Gathimba, a name that has become synonymous with resilience and determination in the world of athletics, particularly in racewalking, is set to make his mark at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Gathimba recently showcased his prowess by winning the men’s 10km race walk at the third Athletics Kenya track and field meeting held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on January 27, 2024. This victory is not just another feather in his cap but a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence despite the numerous challenges he has faced over the years.
Gathimba’s journey in the realm of racewalking has been anything but smooth. His debut at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 ended in disappointment as he faced disqualification, a setback that would have demoralized many. However, Gathimba’s spirit remained unbroken. The subsequent years saw him grappling with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which thwarted his plans to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to travel restrictions. These experiences, though disheartening, only fueled his determination to succeed and represent Kenya on the world stage.
The upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be Gathimba’s third shot at Olympic glory, where he will compete in the 20-kilometer race walk. This event marks a significant milestone in his career, as he will be launching Kenya’s athletics program at the games. The race is scheduled to commence at 2:30 am local time, a challenging start that requires immense mental and physical preparation. Gathimba’s season’s best time stands at one hour, 28 minutes, and six seconds, placing him 84th in the world rankings. Despite this, his personal best time of 1:18:23 indicates his potential to perform well under pressure.
As Gathimba prepares for the Paris Olympics, he faces stiff competition from top athletes around the globe. Japanese racewalker Koki Ikeda currently leads the rankings, with formidable contenders such as China’s Jun Zhang and Italy’s Massimo Stano also vying for the top spots. However, Gathimba remains unfazed by the competition. He believes in focusing on either securing a medal or achieving a good time, rather than attempting to do both simultaneously. This pragmatic approach reflects his maturity and understanding of the sport, honed over years of experience and training.
Gathimba’s achievements extend beyond the Olympic Games. He clinched a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, adding to his impressive collection of accolades. His aspirations for the Paris Olympics include not just participation but a genuine hope to secure a medal. To this end, he has been undergoing intensive training, preparing himself for the challenging conditions expected in Paris. His goal is to achieve a time of 1:18:18, a target that, if met, would place him among the elite racewalkers in the world.
In addition to his Commonwealth Games success, Gathimba has also earned a bronze medal at the World Race Walking Team Championships and the African Championships. His fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Championships further underscores his capability and consistency in the sport. As a four-time African Championships medalist, Gathimba holds the distinction of being the first Kenyan to win a race-walking medal at the Commonwealth Games, a historic achievement that has inspired many young athletes in Kenya.
While Gathimba’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, it is also a narrative of continuous growth and learning. He has adapted his training regimen to meet the demands of international competition, focusing on both physical endurance and mental fortitude. His dedication to the sport is evident in his rigorous training schedule and his unwavering commitment to representing Kenya with pride and honor at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Parallel to Gathimba’s journey, another Kenyan athlete, Zeddy Cherotich, is making history in her own right. Cherotich will be competing in the 78-kilogramme category in judo at the Paris Olympics, marking her debut on this prestigious platform. She is one of six ‘judo mothers’ participating in the games, a term that highlights the unique challenges faced by female athletes who balance motherhood with their sporting careers. Cherotich’s entry into the Olympics is a significant milestone for Kenya, as she becomes the first Kenyan woman to compete in judo at the Olympics.
Cherotich’s confidence in her training and preparation is palpable. She attributes much of her progress to the guidance of a Japanese coach who joined the Kenyan training camp, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This collaboration has been instrumental in honing her skills and boosting her performance levels. Cherotich’s aim is clear: to secure a medal for Kenya, a goal that reflects her determination and the hard work she has put into her training.
The head coach of the Kenyan judo team has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, emphasizing that the Paris Olympics represent a significant opportunity for Kenya to showcase its talent in sports beyond traditional athletics. The inclusion of athletes like Cherotich in the Olympic roster underscores the country’s growing prowess in diverse sporting disciplines. This development is a source of national pride and a testament to the potential of Kenyan athletes on the global stage.
As the Olympic Games Paris 2024 draw closer, the stories of Samuel Gathimba and Zeddy Cherotich serve as powerful reminders of the dedication, resilience, and passion that define the spirit of sportsmanship. Their journeys are not just about personal achievements but also about inspiring future generations of athletes in Kenya and beyond. The anticipation and excitement surrounding their participation in the Olympics are palpable, with fans and supporters eagerly awaiting their performances.
In conclusion, Samuel Gathimba’s path to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 is a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and striving for excellence. His experiences at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped him into a formidable athlete ready to take on the world’s best in the 20-kilometer race walk. Alongside him, Zeddy Cherotich’s groundbreaking entry into Olympic judo highlights the expanding horizons of Kenyan sports. Together, they embody the indomitable spirit of Kenyan athletes, poised to make their mark at the Paris Olympics and inspire countless others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.