Paris 2024: Kenya's pioneer fencer Alexandra Ndolo narrowly defeated by Ukrainian opponent

Kenyan Fencer Alexandra Ndolo bowed out of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in a dramatic and heart-wrenching fashion, losing by a razor-thin margin of one point to Ukraine's Kryvytska in the round of 32.

The intense bout ended 12-13, marking a premature end to Ndolo’s hopeful journey towards securing Kenya’s first-ever Olympic medal in fencing.

Ndolo, who had been given a bye in the round of 64, entered the round of 32 with high hopes and determination.

The closely contested match saw each fencer exchanging point for point, demonstrating their exceptional skills and tenacity.

Ultimately, it was Kryvytska who edged out Ndolo in a nail-biting finish.

“I lost by one touch. I gave my best because sudden death can go either way. I wish it could have gone longer since I was determined to give Kenya a medal, but I am sorry it did not go my way,” said Ndolo as per Capital Sport

Kryvytska, a silver medalist at the World Championships, matched Ndolo point for point in a gripping display of athleticism and strategy.

“The level of competition here is very high. She won silver at the world championships, I won silver as well, so it was anyone's game,” Ndolo added.

As the first Kenyan fencer to compete at the Olympics, Ndolo’s journey to Paris 2024 was already a historic achievement.

Her participation marked a significant milestone for Kenyan sports, bringing attention to a discipline that has been relatively underrepresented in Africa.

Prior to competing for Kenya, Ndolo had secured a silver medal at the 2022 World Fencing Championships while representing Germany.

Africa has seen only two Olympic fencing medals, with Egypt’s Alaaeldin Abouelkassem winning silver in the men’s individual foil in 2012 and Tunisia’s Ines Boubakri securing bronze in the women’s foil four years later.

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