Kibabii University’s martial arts coach, Olympian, and African medalist Faith Ogallo has added yet another remarkable chapter to her extraordinary journey being named Environmental Sustainability Ambassador by World Taekwondo, the sport’s global governing body.
The appointment, announced this week, crowns a career that has already seen her conquer continental and global stages while emerging as a powerful advocate for empowerment and sustainability. With medals from the African Games and African Championships, and an Olympic appearance to her name, Ogallo now steps into a global role that blends her athletic excellence with her passion for the planet.
In its official announcement, World Taekwondo hailed the Kenyan star not merely as a decorated athlete but as a visionary leader, citing her growing influence in both sport and sustainability. The role aligns with the organization’s Sustainability Strategy, unveiled in 2022, which rests on three pillars: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Community; Health & Wellbeing (HNW); and Environmental Sustainability (ENV).
“I believe that your knowledge of and experience with empowerment will play an important role in World Taekwondo’s efforts to create a safe space for anyone who wishes to practice Taekwondo,” wrote World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue in his congratulatory letter to Ogallo.
As part of its vision, World Taekwondo is enlisting influential athletes worldwide to champion eco-conscious practices within and beyond the martial arts community and Ogallo’s appointment signals confidence in her ability to inspire action far beyond the mat.
A National Inspiration
At home in Kenya, the recognition was met with widespread pride and admiration. Kibabii University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo lauded the appointment as a beacon of hope for African youth:
“Ms. Ogallo’s recognition is a powerful source of inspiration for young athletes across Africa. It highlights the pivotal role sports personalities can play in championing sustainability and driving positive change beyond the arena,” he said.
For Ogallo, the honor is not just personal it’s part of a deeper conviction that sport can and must be a force for good.
“Sports is not just about medals,” she said. “It’s about making an impact in people’s lives and safeguarding the future of our planet. That’s the fight I’m in now.”
A Mentor and a Trailblazer
Beyond her own accolades, Ogallo is already shaping the next generation of champions. Among those she has mentored is Patience Neema Mwagandi, a Criminology student at Kibabii University, whom she coached at the Addis Ababa tournament. Under Ogallo’s guidance, Neema stunned the field to qualify for the African Championships finals in the -67kg category.
“Coach Faith is more than a coach she’s a big sister, a mentor, a motivator,” Neema said. “She reminded me that I have what it takes, even when I doubted myself. Now I’m going to Mali because she believed in me.”
Their joint triumph in Ethiopia marked a defining moment for Kenyan taekwondo a testament to mentorship, resilience, and generational excellence.
“Mali will be a battle,” Ogallo smiled. “But I’m ready to fight for Kenya again.”
Building a Climate-Smart Legacy
With her sights set on the African finals, Ogallo’s vision stretches far beyond medals and tournaments. She is laying the groundwork for a transformative project: the Faith Ogallo Climate-Smart World-Class Sports Facility, an eco-friendly, state-of-the-art complex to be built at Kibabii University in Bungoma County.
Designed to meet international standards, the facility will focus on taekwondo and other disciplines, providing a world-class training environment while embedding sustainable technologies at its core.
“Kenya has a proud sporting heritage, but access to world-class facilities especially for sports like taekwondo remains limited,” she noted. “This project will change that. It’s about excellence, environment, and empowerment.”
The initiative promises to position Kenya as a leader in climate-smart sports development demonstrating how sport can fuel both national pride and global sustainability.
From gold medals to green dreams, Faith Ogallo continues to prove that greatness is not just what you achieve for yourself but what you build for others and for the world. With eyes firmly on the continental finals, she remains more than a champion she is a force for change, redefining what it means to win.
