Mercy Moim named Team Kenya’s flag bearer

Olympics Kenya appointed women’s volleyball team captain Mercy Moim and rugby sevens captain Andrew Amonde to be the flag bearers during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 23.

“I am happy for this opportunity. This is a good surprise and a great honour to carry the flag of Kenya,” Moim said.

“I was not expecting it, if I look at my journey as a small village girl from Kaboiyo, I am extremely happy and even more motivated to ensure our national anthem is sung during the Olympics.”

The 32-year-old outside hitter has played the sport for the last 15 years and has skippered the national team since 2016.

She has played at the FIVB Volleyball World Cup, the FIVB Volleyball World Championships and the FIVB Volleyball World Grand prix, and has played in European and Asian clubs besides winning several continental tournaments at club and national team level.

Moim, along with Jane Wacu, have attempted to get their team to the Olympic Games since 2008 but without success until now.

At the beginning of 2020, the country's most experienced stars changed that and together with a new crop of Malkia players, they finally got the qualification ticket after a 16-year period away from the Games.

They finished 11th overall in both of their previous Olympic appearances in Sydney and Athens.

“We had to fight hard to make this team because we have a group of young players coming through,” the Kenyan captain remarked.