This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
Christine Ongare, a Kenyan boxer from a challenging background, has spoken out about her experience at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Despite being eliminated in the first round, Ongare is content with her performance and has chosen to focus on the positives of achieving her Olympic dream.
On July 25, 2021, Ongare lost to Irish Magno of the Philippines by unanimous decision, with all three judges awarding her the maximum scores in all three rounds. However, Ongare was motivated by the Kenyan delegation, led by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, who was in the stands to cheer her on.
According to Ongare, she has picked up valuable experience from the Olympics and will be working on her weaknesses when she returns home. She aims to get more exposure and be ready for the next international tournaments, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
"It was a good fight, considering the tournaments I have played were only in Africa, and my only international experience was in Russia. To me, I have gotten what I wanted, I have achieved my dreams, and learnt a lot. Now, when Olympians are counted, I will be among them," Ongare said after the bout.
Ongare also revealed that the headgear was a letdown for her, as it did not fit well, and she had to adjust it during the fight. She feared asking for a technical timeout, but her coaches advised her to do so to slow down the tempo of the game.
Team Kenya head coach Musa Benjamin was happy with Ongare's performance, noting that she gave a good fight against a tactically superior opponent. He also praised her perseverance, patience, self-discipline, and putting God first, which he believes are key pillars that have kept her going.
With Ongare becoming the second boxer to bow out of the Olympics, Kenya now has only two boxers remaining: Elly Ajowi (men's heavyweight) and Elizabeth Akinyi (women's welter). Their fights will be held on Tuesday.
