• "I need to stay relaxed and treat the match like any other. If I stick to the game plan, I’m confident I can beat her," Cherotich said.
• Cherotich made history as the first Kenyan woman to qualify for the Olympics in Judo after ranking 74th with 384 points.
Image: HANDOUT
Kenya’s judoka at the Paris Olympics Zeddy Cherotich believes sticking to her game plan will be key to defeating Portugal's Patricia Sampaio in her opening match of the -78kg category on Thursday.
Sampaio, a formidable opponent, boasts a 2023 European Championships bronze medal and the 2021 European U23 title in the -78kg category.
Her impressive collection also includes a silver medal from last year's International Judo Federation (IJF) Grand Slam in Astana, Kazakhstan, and two gold medals from the IJF Grand Prix (Australia 2019 in -70kg and Almada 2023 in -78kg).
Despite Sampaio's accolades, Cherotich remains unfazed and optimistic of securing a victory in the elimination match.
"I need to stay relaxed and treat the match like any other. If I stick to the game plan, I’m confident I can beat her," Cherotich said.
Cherotich has been meticulously studying Sampaio's previous matches, identifying weaknesses to exploit in their clash.
"Together with my coach, we've analysed her techniques and movements. We’ve devised strategies to disrupt her rhythm in the ring," she added.
Cherotich made history as the first Kenyan woman to qualify for the Olympics in Judo after ranking 74th with 384 points.
Her performance was also within the continental quota of 12 in the women’s event.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) sergeant also stated that she was ready for the task.
“I am more than ready for the match. I believe the preparations I have undertaken will be key for my success,” she remarked.
However, Cherotich admits to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of her debut at the quadrennial extravaganza.
“I am, however, nervous because this is my first appearance at the Olympics. I have mixed emotions of both excitement and edgy,” she said.
To ensure she's in peak condition, Cherotich has been focusing on her speed and technique execution.
“My main area of focus has been my speed. I want to get it right to be able to push Sampaio to the limit. The effectiveness of my technique execution is also an area of focus,” she added.
Cherotich is calling on her fans for support as she aims to make Olympic history.
“I’m calling on my fans for support— both those in Paris and back in Kenya. Your prayers and support will be vital in my quest,” she said.
Kenya has yet to win a medal in judo since its first Olympic appearance in 1956 as a British colony.
The last Kenyan Judoka at the Olympics, Kiplangat Sang, was eliminated in the round of 32 matches during the Rio 2016 Games.