Rwanda Secures 3 Olympic Qualification Spots for Paris 2028

In a historic moment for Rwandan sports, three athletes have officially punched their tickets to the Paris 2028 Olympic Games following a dominant showing at the African Qualification Championships held in Nairobi, Kenya last week.

The trio — sprinter Gasore Hategeka (Athletics), cyclist Valens Ndayisenga (Cycling), and judoka Diane Mukamana (Judo) — each delivered career-best performances to earn their qualification spots.

Gasore Hategeka clocked a blistering 10.12 seconds in the 100m final, shattering his own national record and finishing second overall in the African rankings. The 24-year-old from Musanze has been on a meteoric rise since joining the national program in 2022.

Valens Ndayisenga dominated the individual time trial, finishing over two minutes ahead of the nearest competitor. His performance marks Rwanda's first Olympic cycling qualification since the 2016 Rio Games.

Diane Mukamana continued her reign as Africa's top female judoka, winning gold in the -57kg category with a flawless 5-0 record throughout the tournament.

RNOSC President Alice UMULINGA praised the athletes' dedication: "These three represent the very best of Rwandan sport. Their journey to Paris begins now, and the entire nation stands behind them."

The athletes will now enter an intensive 18-month preparation program funded by the International Olympic Committee's Solidarity Fund, with training camps planned in Japan, France, and Kenya.