ITF

ANGELLA OKUTOYI ITF World Spring 2022 17 would have seen Okutoyi surge into the quarter- finals and make further history, it was not to be. "I feel like I really did something great, although in the moment, I did not really think it was big," added Okutoyi. "Since returning home, however, I have realised it was actually a really good achievement. "My goal was to reach the quarter-finals, but I wasn't sad because I gave it my all and I was really happy to reach the third round. "For my first Grand Slam, I am really grateful for the achievement, and I look forward to reaching my quarter-final target in the upcoming Grand Slams. More than that, I am proud that I can inspire young Kenyans. "Most people from Kenya are not wealthy and come from the same situation as me. I am proud to be setting an example so they can see someone like them achieving and it gives them encouragement that they can do it also. "I am happy that I am an example to them, and I have shown them that nothing is impossible with hard work, determination and belief." She may have fallen short of her last-eight aim but her exploits in Melbourne resonated in a big way. On her return to Nairobi and after landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Okutoyi was afforded a hero's welcome. The nation's latest headline-grabber was greeted by a host of well-wishers including Tennis Kenya President James Kenani, Secretary General Wanjiru Mbugua-Karani and Olympic Committee of Kenya Secretary General Francis Mutuku. This came as a surprise to Okutoyi, but not to those who had followed her Australian Open escapades. After all, she had been a red-hot topic of conversation in Kenya and throughout Africa the previous week. Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, boxer Christine Ongare and tennis legends Paul Wekesa and Susan Wakhungu – the last girl from Kenya to feature at a Junior Grand Slam back in the 1970s – were among those to reach out and show support. Comedians and musicians also made contact to pass on their congratulations, although perhaps the most high-profile individual to recognise her achievements was Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o. Okutoyi trended on social media as a result, something she described as "really different", which is also her reaction to now being recognised in the street. There were also suggestions she was set for an audience with President Uhuru Kenyatta. "There were rumours and I think I was going to meet him, but I haven't yet," said Okutoyi. "I did, however, meet Dr. Amina Mohamed, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage and Culture. "I have always seen her from afar, but never had the chance to be close to her. She knew who I was which shocked me. She congratulated me and said how much she appreciated the work I have put in. She also told me that she'd always support me." Okutoyi's ascent has resulted in other far- reaching implications, some of them societal. Tennis Kenya continues to play a key role in the development of the country's latest role model and are reaping rewards, which is particularly fitting given the organisation is this year celebrating its centenary. "Tennis Kenya is extremely proud of Angie and the hard work and resilience she has shown," Mbugua- Karani tells ITFWorld. "By following Angie's matches at the Australian Open, Kenyans' interest in tennis piqued and her performances inspired Kenyans around the country to sit up and take notice of her and tennis in general. "It has inspired a lot of JTI players to keep working as they have now seen a snapshot of what it looks like to start in the JTI and end up at the Grand Slams. "The interest in Angella has generated a lot of queries about tennis participation, while it has also energised and galvanised Kenyan tennis legends back to the game, inspiring conversations on how they can give back. "We hope her achievements will motivate Angella to do better and to get the sponsors she so needs. Because the bar has been set high, we know it will inspire participation in the game and it will raise the level of tennis in Kenya." The success she has enjoyed will stand the test of time, although fresh ambitions have now been set. Those goals are documented within Okutoyi's 'tennis book', something she started making additions to aged 15 during a moment of reflection at the end of a school day. "I was just sitting around one day and thought, 'why not make some goals for myself?'," she said. "Back then, I had no idea whether I would actually achieve them, but I had the belief that I would. "I just wrote down some goals that one day I hoped would come true. One was playing the Australian Open and winning a Junior Grand Slam match. Now I've done that, for sure there are some new goals in there." She is still so young, but Okutoyi is already a national treasure. While the future is not ours to see, this gem would appear ready to glisten. n Le : Okutoyi's exploits at the Australian Open Junior Championships prompted much interest and celebra on, both during and a er the tournament. Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o was possibly the most high-profile personality to make contact with Kenya's latest headline-maker

• Cover