Nigel Waweru, a grade 4 student at Shah Lalji Nangpar academy will be representing Kenya at the taekwondo champions in Korea in July 2023.

Waweru developed his interest in the sport last year in July after noticing that one can acquire self defence skills from the sport and still have fun while at it.

“I got an opportunity to play Taekwondo competitively when I joined this school and met Mr. David Okiyo, who is my coach. Enjoying the sport and being in a position to defend myself was a plus and that’s why I considered taking it seriously,” said the nine-year-old

The young star is currently holding a yellow belt and from his exemplary performance, he will soon be getting a green-striped white belt during a grading period that will be conducted by the Taekwondo Association of Kenya on March 18.

Nigel Waweru shows off his gold medal that he won in a taekwondo symposium held in Mombasa at Jaffery Academy, on November 25, 2022.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ NMG

Waweru was able to secure a chance to represent Kenya in Korea in July, after winning a gold medal in a taekwondo symposium held in Mombasa at Jaffery Academy, on November 25, 2022.

His expectations going into the tournament is to win Kenya a Gold medal and make his country and parents proud.

Okiyo, hopes that Waweru will perform well in the championships held in Korea.

Nigel (right) faces off with his team mate during a training session at Shah Lalji academy

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ NMG

Waweru’s mum, Yvonne Anisa said she was impressed by his ability to perform well both in academics and martial arts.

“I want to see him grow to greater heights as far as his sports career is concerned,” said Anisa

Other than academics and sports, Waweru is also an environmental activist championing against plastic pollution.

Nigel's project that calls for reduction of plastic use

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/NMG

“I have been seeing people littering and it’s killing aquatic life. My aim is to create awareness. My vision is to help people reduce their plastic footprint by creating awareness on ‘reduce, reuse and recycle' through social media and my plastic creative art projects,” said Waweru.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

9 year old set to represent Kenya at the Taekwondo championships in Korea

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia