Who is Angela Okutoy?Meet the Kenyan tennis star inspired by Serena Williams

Starting in an orphanage, to winning a gold medal for Kenya, to becoming the new All Africa Games tennis champion. What a remarkable journey it has been for the 20-year-old Kenyan tennis star, Angela Okutoy. Her latest win helped Kenya secure its sixth gold medal at the quadrennial event in Accra, Ghana. But did you know that Otoye’s incredible journey was largely inspired by the path taken by American tennis legend Serena Williams?

Angella Okutoyi has often expressed her admiration for Serena Williams, who serves as a source of inspiration to her. She said Williams’ fighting spirit is a quality she believes she possesses in her game as well. Here’s what she said previously on Olympics.com.

‘I’m a fighter on the court’ – Angella Okutoyi connects her game to Serena Williams’ style

During the conversation, Okutoy spoke about Serena Williams, adding: “I believe my game is the same as hers, being an aggressive baseline player. She’s a fighter and I’m a fighter on the court. I’m willing to do more and I’m sure she is too. She inspired me a lot.” Well, she has a long list of achievements, here are some of them.

With this victory in Accra, she is one step closer to the Paris Olympics.She also became the first Kenyan woman to win this prestigious title in nearly 46 years. Jane Davies-DocksonHeroic deeds in 1978. She is currently ranked 532nd in the women’s singles rankings. If she enters the top 400 before June 10, she will be able to directly qualify for the Olympics.

Talking about the Olympics, she once said that she did not watch the Olympics until she was playing in the qualifying matches for the U-14 team. But after that, she realized it was a major tournament very similar to a Grand Slam. Since then, it has been her dream to represent her country in the Olympics. Here’s what she had to say after her latest victory.

After her big win, she thanked her family, team, fans and friends,”It means a lot to me that my childhood dream of competing in the Olympics has finally come true. Hopefully this will make those watching believe that anything is possible.“

Speaking of inspiration, she made history by winning the U14 African Championship and becoming the youngest singles title holder at the 2018 Kenya Open. Angela Okutoy becomes the first black African to win a junior Grand Slam title at Wimbledon doubles in 2022.

That’s not all! In the same year, she became the first Kenyan to win the 2022 AO Women’s Singles Grand Slam. However, the journey was filled with adversities but she managed to overcome them all with her desire and desire to become a top tennis player.

“My growth process was not easy” – Okutoyi

Angella Okutoyi and her twin sister Roselida Asumwa were placed in an orphanage after their mother died during childbirth. But after a few days, they moved to the house of their grandmother, who worked as a cleaner at a convent in Nairobi. Angella Okutoyi explained these moments to Olympics.com: “Growing up, I remember there were times when we wouldn’t eat. The only meal we could survive was a glass of water. That’s why I’m fearless and I’m strong.“

She further added: “My upbringing was not easy. I remember our family had no money, just my grandmother, who was a widower and took care of five children.” In the convent where they once lived, there was a school with a tennis court where the two four-year-old girls spent most of their time.

They used to play the sport with some family members. This is how their journey begins. Share your thoughts on Angela Okutoy’s incredible story.

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