• RUGBY

• Frank Rotich 2 days ago

Kenyan Sevens star Chajira named IOC Athlete Role Model ahead of Youth Olympics

Kenya women’s rugby star Sheila Chajira has received a major honour after being named an Athlete Role Model by the International Olympic Committee ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

The experienced player earned the recognition just days before Kenya hosts the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi from May 23 to 31.

Chajira, who has represented Kenya in both rugby sevens and fifteens, will now help mentor young athletes during the Youth Olympics. She is the only African rugby representative selected for the role.

The 32-year-old says she hopes to inspire young athletes to believe in their dreams and work hard despite challenges.

“It doesn’t start on the Olympic stage; it starts with small, consistent steps, discipline, and belief in yourself even when things are tough,” said Chajira.

The Kenyan veteran represented the country at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. She says those experiences helped shape her career and prepared her to guide the next generation of athletes.

Chajira also described the Olympics as a place that brings together athletes from different cultures who all share the same dream of success.

Even with the international recognition, the focus now shifts to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi where Kenya will battle defending champions South Africa women's national rugby union team, Uganda women's national rugby union team and Madagascar women's national rugby union team.

South Africa have dominated the tournament over the years, but Chajira believes Kenya is ready to challenge for the title on home soil. 

“South Africa has set the standard for a while, and credit to them, but we are improving and closing the gap,” she said.

Kenya will open their campaign against Uganda on Saturday before facing Madagascar and South Africa in their remaining matches.