Kenya Fencing Federation Points Finger at Alexandra Ndolo Over Excessive Demands

The Kenya Fencing Federation has responded to Alexandra Ndolo, a fencer originally from Germany, criticizing her unreasonable demands and negative attitude in her runup to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

The federation president Fred Chege has leveled accusations against Ndolo for making excessive demands which they have been unable to fulfil owing to multiple issues. Chege asserts that the World Cup contests act as qualifiers for the Olympics and that every fencer must take part in no fewer than six of these. Ndolo, Africa's top-ranked fencer, is already confirmed for the Paris event and is mindful of this information.

The federation has tried to convince her to only participate in necessary events considering their financial limitations, but the athlete has turned down their proposal. Ndolo vented frustration on her Instagram page after the federation didn't register her for the first 2023/24 World Cup Series in Italy. The president indicates they've exceeded themselves catering to the athlete's expectations. However, Ndolo's sullen conduct poses an obstacle to reaching an agreement.

According to Chege, she previously informed Ndolo that the federation did not possess financial capabilities matching those found in Germany and that the Ministry of Sports was also underfunded. He discloses that the federation served Ndolo three plane tickets which she declined, claiming they were too late. Thereafter, they attempted to communicate with her to discuss accommodation solutions but she refused to engage.

The head of the federation emphasizes the importance of the upcoming Africa Olympics qualifiers in Algiers, Algeria. However, While this seems to be the priority, Ndolo is not convinced that Chege is well-versed in the Olympic fencing eligibility criteria. Ndolo, whose parents originate from Kenya and Poland, clinched silver medals in both the 2017 World Cup and at the recent World Fencing Championships held in Cairo, Egypt.