Chance for a better life – DW – 12/19/2024

On a small playing field on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, about 60 young people take turns cheering on Alexandra Ndolo and Ashley Ngoiri. Two fencers face off, giving the girls and boys a demonstration of a sport that is largely unknown in Kenya.

“When so many kids scream loudly and cheer us on, it gives me a lot of energy and inspires me to bring my game closer to the people,” Ndolo told DW.

For Ngoiri, who took up fencing only seven years ago, the support is also impressive. “As a fencer, it was the first time I experienced something like this,” the 25-year-old told DW. “It freaked me out a little bit,” he admitted with a laugh.

Fencing is for everyone

Both fencers are on a fencing mission in Kenya. This is why he has been traveling to Nairobi for the last few days. Ndolo and Ngoiri want to dispel a particular prejudice, namely that fencing is a purely elitist sport.

“We are doing initiatives with slum children. We went to Kibera [slum area in Nairobi]But also for a country club, a very prestigious place,” Ndolo explained. “I want to bring fencing to everyone, no matter how much money they have.”

Because, as Ndolo emphasizes again and again, fencing is for everyone. “I want to demystify fencing. I believe this sport can also grow in Kenya.”

Ndolo created Olympic history

Ndolo’s mother is Polish and his father is Kenyan. She was born in Germany and grew up in Bayreuth, Bavaria. The fencer has been engaged in this sport in her father’s native country for many years. Among other things, she is the co-founder of the Kenyan Fencing Federation, which is officially part of the World Fencing Association since 2019. The 38-year-old is one of the best épée fencers in the world. At the 2022 World Championships in Cairo, he finished runner-up to Germany for the world title – the highlight of his career at the moment.

Later, she announced a change in federation and has been competing for Kenya ever since. In doing so, Ndolo “entered the unknown”, taking financial and sporting risks. To date, he has to finance and organize himself, as he has not yet received any money from the Kenyan federation. It was different in Germany, where they received funding from the association.

Despite many obstacles, Ndolo prevailed and was crowned African champion last year. She also managed to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris, making her the first Kenyan Olympic fencer in history.

“The fact that we were allowed to fence in the Grand Palace still gives me goosebumps to this day,” the Olympian recalls. And she says with wide eyes: “It was great to see the Kenyan flag in the field with all the other qualifying countries.”

Ndolo wants to experience it again and so she has set a high sporting goal for herself: “I want to participate in the next Olympic Games [2028 in Los Angeles],” she says, “Once wasn’t enough for me.”

Ngoiri: ‘My mother thought I wanted to rob people’

Ndolo is a role model for many Kenyan children and youth, but also for 25-year-old Ngoiri.

“Alex is the most important person in my life,” Ngoiri says without hesitation. “He opened many doors for me and brought me into contact with many people.”

The young fencer comes from Huruma, a slum outside Nairobi. In 2017, he participated in free fencing training at a fencing school. She immediately became attracted and excited about the game, which until then she had only seen in Jackie Chan films. However, her family was skeptical at first.

“Since I use a kind of sword, my mother thought I would use it to rob people to get their money,” Ngoiri said, and laughed out loud as he recalled the story. She further says that her family now understands what fencing is all about.

Ngoiri: ‘He hit me with my mask’

Fencing has changed Ngoiri’s life forever. In 2021, thanks to a fencing scholarship, he trained to become a coach in South Africa. She is now Kenya’s first female fencing coach. She can now earn money from sports and has also become more confident, which has helped her in her personal life as well.

“I had a very toxic relationship with a man,” she said. “One blow after another, a black eye here. At some point, he even broke my weapon [her epee] And hit me with my mask,” Ngoiri recalls.

The game distracted Ngoiri from the dire situation at home and gave him strength. Eventually, she left her violent partner and is now on her feet.

Domestic violence, especially against women, This is not unusual in KenyaThe ‘Africa Data Hub’ network documented the killing of nearly 500 women in Kenya between 2016 and 2023. Unofficially, this number is likely much higher. In 75% of cases, the perpetrators came from the victim’s immediate environment. He said that just a few weeks ago, one of Ngoiri’s acquaintances, a woman, committed suicide by drowning herself in a well because of her lover.

Fencing should help women

However, the story of ‘Coach Ashley’, as many know it, shows what is possible. This is another reason why Ndolo and Ngoiri want to continue promoting the development of fencing in Kenya.

“Fencing or sports in general teaches you a lot of lessons in life,” Ndolo said. “Persistence, believing in yourself, dealing with setbacks and overcoming challenges.”

Ndolo will continue to travel to Kenya in the future to raise awareness about fencing. Working with children gives him a lot of energy, and it’s clear that his mission to give people in Kenya a chance at a better life through fencing will continue.

“I believe I can achieve and make an impact in Kenya,” the Olympian said. “I want to leave something for the country and enable children to take up fencing – regardless of the financial status of their parents.”

This article is taken from German language.