NOCK President Shadrack Maluki/ TEDDY MULEI
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has unveiled a bold plan to ensure Kenya fields the highest number of disciplines in history at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
President Shadrack Maluki said they have set themselves an ambitious target of having representation from 12 federations.
The highest number of sporting events Kenya has previously featured in at the global extravaganza stands at seven, achieved during both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 1988 Seoul Games.
In 2016, Kenya paraded talent across athletics (track and field), boxing, archery, judo, swimming, weightlifting and rugby.
Of all seven federations, it was athletics that illuminated Rio, delivering all of Kenya’s 13 medals (six gold, six silver and one bronze).
Jemima Sumgong (marathon), David Rudisha (800m), Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Conseslus Kipruto (steeplechase), Vivian Cheruiyot (5,000m) and Eliud Kipchoge (marathon) were the golden performers for Kenya.
Back in Seoul, Kenya fielded athletes in athletics (track and field), boxing, field hockey, judo, shooting, weightlifting and wrestling.
Robert Wangila (boxing), Paul Ereng (800m), Julius Kariuki (steeplechase), John Ngugi (5,000m) and Peter Rono (1,500m) delivered the gold medals.
At the previous edition of the global show in Paris 2024, Kenya fielded 75 athletes across six federations: athletics, fencing, judo, rugby, swimming and volleyball.
True to Kenya’s Olympic tradition, all 11 medals (four gold, two silver and five bronze) once again flowed from athletics.
Beatrice Chebet (5,000m and 10,000m), Kipyegon (1,500m) and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m) stood tall as Kenya’s golden quartet.
Maluki said the expansion will improve Kenya’s medal prospects.
“We are anticipating and promising that in LA 2028 we shall be sending not less than 12 disciplines,” Maluki said.
The NOCK boss disclosed that groundwork for the Games is already underway, following a high-level consultative meeting with member federations last week.
“We have already started early preparations. We had a consultative meeting at Maanzoni where we officially launched the pathway to LA 2028,” he added.
Maluki said the new Nock leadership is fully committed to elevating sports development.
“As the new leadership at NOCK, we are devoted to developing sports in our beloved nation. “I can assure you that this team is working around the clock,” he added.
