Three Kenyan judokas pursuing medical-related studies in Hungary are working towards a shared ambition of representing the country at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Tabitha Mailu, Kelly Daniel Otunga and Grace None have embraced the challenge of combining university education with competitive judo, hoping to make an impact both in the classroom and on the international sporting stage.

The athletes are studying at Semmelweis University in Budapest through the Stipendium Hungaricum Sports Scholarship Programme, which provides an opportunity for talented sportspeople to advance their education while developing their athletic careers.

Their Olympic ambitions are driven by years of dedication to judo and a desire to raise Kenya's profile in the international competition.

Otunga, a seven-time Kenyan national champion in the under-66kg category, is among the country's promising judokas. His experience in national competitions has strengthened his determination to compete against some of the world's best athletes.

None has also demonstrated her potential, having secured a bronze medal in the under-57kg category at the 2024 Dakar Junior African Cup. She is pursuing physiotherapy studies, hoping to apply her knowledge to sports rehabilitation.

Mailu is equally determined to advance her sporting career while pursuing a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy.

Despite their ambitions, the athletes face challenges associated with accessing international competitions, including funding, registration and accreditation.

They have called for increased support from the Kenya Judo Federation and relevant sports authorities to help them participate in qualifying tournaments and earn valuable ranking points.

With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics approaching, the trio remains focused on turning its ambitions into reality.

Their journey represents the growing connection between education and elite sports, while offering inspiration to young Kenyan athletes seeking opportunities beyond the country's borders.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/100064434804092/posts/1579954790828999/?app=fbl