Three Kenyan judokas based in Hungary are combining demanding medical studies with professional sporting ambitions as they pursue qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Tabitha Mailu, Kelly Daniel Otunga and Grace None are currently studying at Semmelweis University in Budapest under the Stipendium Hungaricum Sports Scholarship Programme, which supports talented athletes pursuing higher education alongside their sporting careers.

The trio hopes to secure places in Team Kenya for the Los Angeles Olympics while building careers in the medical and healthcare professions.

Otunga, 20, is a seven-time Kenyan national champion in the under-66 kilogramme category. He believes the discipline, resilience and determination developed through judo have strengthened his approach to academic life.

Grace None, 21, who won bronze in the under-57kg category at the 2024 Dakar Junior African Cup, is specialising in physiotherapy. She hopes to use her medical knowledge to support athletes through injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Mailu, 28, is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy, which she believes will complement her experience as a judoka.

However, the athletes face challenges in accessing international competitions, particularly regarding licensing, accreditation and registration.

They have appealed to the Kenya Judo Federation and the Ministry of Sports to improve logistical and financial support to enable them to participate in more international tournaments and accumulate valuable ranking points.

Sports Fund Chairman George Kithi and National Olympic Committee of Kenya Vice Chairman Barnaba Korir have acknowledged their concerns and pledged to explore additional support.

As preparations for Los Angeles 2028 gather momentum, the three athletes remain determined to balance education and sport while opening new opportunities for Kenyan judo on the international stage.

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