Nairobi – Olympian and African taekwondo champion Faith Ogallo has been appointed as the Environmental Sustainability Ambassador by World Taekwondo, marking a new chapter in her career that blends elite sport with environmental advocacy.
The announcement places Ogallo among a global circle of athletes selected to promote sustainable practices within the sport. The appointment aligns with World Taekwondo’s 2022 sustainability strategy, which focuses on environmental awareness, inclusion, and public health.
In a letter confirming the role, World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue praised Ogallo’s leadership and commitment to positive change. “Your experience in empowerment and community engagement will support our goal of making Taekwondo inclusive and impactful,” Choue wrote.
Ogallo, who has competed at the Olympic Games and won medals in African championships, welcomed the appointment as an opportunity to influence change beyond the mat.
“Sport is about more than winning medals,” she said. “It’s about making an impact in people’s lives and protecting our planet. That’s what drives me now.”
The recognition comes as Ogallo continues mentoring upcoming athletes. At a recent tournament in Addis Ababa, she coached Kibabii University student Patience Neema Mwagandi, who qualified for the African Championships finals in the -67kg category.
“Coach Faith is more than a trainer she’s a mentor and motivator,” said Mwagandi. “She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Ogallo’s influence is also shaping long-term infrastructure. She announced plans to build a climate-conscious sports facility at Kibabii University in Bungoma County. The proposed Faith Ogallo Climate-Smart World-Class Sports Facility will focus on taekwondo while integrating green technologies.
“This project will create access to top-level training facilities and support environmental responsibility,” she said. “It’s about excellence, empowerment, and protecting the future.”
The facility aims to position Kenya as a continental hub for sustainable sports development. Ogallo said the initiative is part of her broader mission to raise the country’s international sporting profile while responding to the global climate crisis.
Kibabii University welcomed the recognition. Vice Chancellor Isaac Ipara Odeo described Ogallo’s appointment as a “source of pride” and a clear message to young athletes that sports can drive meaningful change.
Ogallo is now preparing for the African Championship finals in Mali, where she plans to compete and support her mentees. “I’m ready to fight for Kenya again,” she said.
As she balances her sporting ambitions with environmental goals, Ogallo’s message remains clear: true greatness is about lifting others and building a better future.
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