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How George 'Japolo' Ooro went from being rejected for being 'too small' to now being a key part of Shujaa in their quest to achieve Olympic glory.
Strathmore Leos’ George Ooro is set to become an Olympian for the first time in his life after he was selected as part of the final 12-man Kenya Sevens squad for the upcoming games, which will be taking place in Paris this August.
Ooro, who is known in local rugby circles more as ‘Japolo’ which translates to man sent from heaven, would never have envisioned being one during the last Olympic games, which were held in Tokyo in 2021.
At that time, the Shujaa squad featured seasoned players like Andrew Amonde, who is now the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Ooro, then a newly enrolled student at KCA University, had faced rejection from Strathmore in 2020 for being ‘too tiny.’
Despite the setback, Ooro did not give up.
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13:00 - 03.07.2024
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"In life, you have to put room for disappointment everywhere you go. I decided to bring myself from upcountry all the way to Nairobi but was deemed too tiny,” Ooro shared with Olympics Kenya.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided him with an opportunity to train rigorously back home, where he joined his village team to stay fit and sharpen his skills.
Ooro’s training during the pandemic was unconventional but effective.
“We used to play as estates. Maybe Nyalenda facing Nyamasaria and so on. We would play without boots and without medical precautions like ambulances. It made us strong,” Ooro recalls.
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15:20 - 28.06.2024
Shujaa co-captain Tony Omondi reveals how Tokyo Olympics heartbreak fueled Paris 2024 dream
Kenya Sevens co-captain Tony Omondi has shared how he bounced back from the disappointment of missing the Tokyo Olympics to help Shujaa earn a berth at the Paris 2024 Games.
His mother played a crucial role in his physical development by ensuring he had a nutritious diet. “My mum would prepare porridge and cook more carbs for me to re-energise.”
Determined to succeed, Ooro gave Strathmore another shot upon enrolling at the university. This time, his efforts paid off.
“One day, I came to train with them, and then was told I had grown enough to be a part of the team. I had not bonded with anyone else apart from Strathmore Leos players,” Ooro said.
Ooro's dedication and hard work began to bear fruit during the 2021/22 Kenya Cup season, where he played a significant role for Strathmore Leos.
His performance in the 2022 National Sevens Circuit earned him a spot in the dream team and caught the eye of former Sevens coach Damian McGrath. Ooro made his debut in the 2022/2023 HSBC Sevens Series, alongside his best friend and fellow first call-up, Dennis Abukuse.
“Making my debut was pleasing. McGrath gave me opportunities. I was given a full second half against Ireland. At first, I was scared, but I was like ‘I am already here, what can I do? Just do the basics’,” Ooro recounts
“From there, I learnt, and experience came in. I was able to learn how to attack and defend, and I grew as the season continued.”
Despite Kenya’s relegation from the core-team status, they made a swift comeback, earning promotion at the first attempt. Ooro played a key role in the team’s qualification for the Olympics, demonstrating his significant growth and contribution to the squad.
Now, as he prepares for the Olympics, Ooro aims to help Kenya Sevens achieve a maiden podium finish. His journey from being deemed too small to becoming an Olympian is a testament to his resilience and hard work.
Ooro’s story is not just about personal triumph but also about the potential of young, local talent in Kenya. As he steps onto the Olympic stage, Ooro embodies the spirit of perseverance and the promise of a bright future for Kenyan rugby.
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