Julietta Moipo and Stency Neema are poised to make history as the first Kenyan women taekwondo athletes at the Paris Paralympics.
The dynamic duo will be aiming for the podium in their debut appearances at the games, scheduled for August 28 to September 8 in the French capital.
Should they secure medals, taekwondo will become only the third sport to earn Kenya a Paralympic medal, following swimming and athletics.
English-born John Britton won Kenya’s only title in swimming (men’s 25m freestyle 2) during his triumph at the 1972 Heidelberg Games in Germany.
Competing in the Under-52kg and Under 57kg categories, Moipo and Neema have been rigorously training at Parklands Sports Club under coach Philip Khaemba.
Their sparring partners include 2008 Beijing Paralympian Milka Akinyi, Edna Shichangi, and Jully Msangi.
The pair qualified for the Paralympics during the African Taekwondo Championships in Dakar, Senegal, in February.
"I am so grateful for this opportunity that will change my life and my family's," said Moipo, whose right hand was amputated following a fall at age three.
“My speed, accuracy and general understanding of the game have improved,” she added.
Moipo is also optimistic that Paris will pave the way for other major championships like the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
"I can't promise a medal, but I believe something good is in store after studying video clips of my category's past events," she added.
Moipo, 22, embraced para taekwondo in 2022 upon clearing Form Four at Milimani Secondary School in Samburu.
She was handed the ticket in Under-57 to the Paris Paralympic Games without throwing a kick alongside compatriot Neema, who also punched the ticket after her opponent from Egypt backed out.
Neema, the multi-talented para-athlete, said she is ready for Paris, having trained for the last two years.
"I am not the same Neema who went for the qualifier. My techniques have improved significantly, and I can now execute double kicks," said Neema, born with only the upper right limb.
“I am going to compete and not just add to the numbers,” she added.
Neema, 22, initially aimed to qualify in para-athletics (100m, 200m), para-badminton, and para-skiing (Winter Games) but secured her spot in taekwondo.
Coach Khaemba has high praise for Moipo's rapid improvement, particularly in core training.
"Her biggest weakness was core training, but we tackled that through good strength and conditioning," he said, noting her increased energy and zeal in training.
Khaemba also highlighted Neema's transformation from athletics to taekwondo, emphasizing her improved flexibility and technique.
"Neema is a natural athlete with good speed and a fast learner. Her sidekick is supreme," Khaemba added.