by Simon Daish, (Quotes provided by Olalekan Okusan ITTF-Africa Press Officer)
Impressing the authorities in charge of in team selection, Jenny Compell achieved a monumental feat after successfully gaining a place in Kenya’s player line-up for the 2019 Africa Games, just five years after picking up a bat for the first time!
The youngest table tennis player to take part in Rabat, Morocco, Compell experienced an opening round defeat to Tunisia’s Fadwa Garci but the young Kenyan proved that she wasn’t out of her depth against well versed opposition and will certainly be one to watch in years to come.
Speaking to ITTF-Africa Press Officer Olalekan Okusan at the 2019 Africa Games in Rabat, Compell admitted that her nerves got the better of her at the start of her meeting with Garci but as the match played out she began to embrace the occasion, relishing the opportunity to represent her country on the international stage.
“Before the match I was a bit nervous but after we started I adjusted and it was fun playing in front of such a big crowd and making my debut at the Games. I am very happy to be selected by the Kenya Table Tennis Association to be part of the team. It is a big honour to represent your country and I cherish every moment I am spending in Morocco.” Jenny Compell
Compell’s hero is none other than Egyptian star Dina Meshref, who recently took home her seventh African Championships women’s singles title. Who knows, maybe this young athlete could be destined for similar levels of greatness in the future.
“When I started four years ago, my target was to be the best in the sport and I’m sure that I can achieve it. I will have to redouble my efforts in training and hope that I can exceed the records set by Dina Meshref in Africa.” Jenny Compell
Not yet in her teenage years but Compell’s ambitions are sky high: not only does she want to mix it with the world’s best at the Olympic Games but also dreams of bringing a gold medal back to her home country from the prestigious event!
Find out more about Jenny Compell in her interview with the official Olympic channel: