Paris 2024 - Arnold Kisoka: "I want to give the DRC its first Olympic medal, despite a difficult build-up"
In Paris, Arnold Kisoka hopes to give the DRC its first Olympic medal, even though his preparation conditions were poor.
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Sports News Afric a: Arnold Kisoka, you are about to compete at your first Olympic Games. How do you feel?
Arnold Kisoka: I'm very happy and very proud of myself. It's the result of a lot of sacrifices. I earned my qualification on my own; I wasn't given a universality place. It was my dream, and it's coming true today.
You took part in the African Championships, then competed at the World Championships. Despite mixed results, do you feel a clear improvement in your level?
Arnold Kisoka: Yes, I felt my level improved a lot. Taking part in the World Championships in particular, I gained a lot of experience. At the Olympics, I'll be facing athletes of the same level as those I met at the Worlds, so a bit of an inferiority complex has gone.
With your current level, what result are you expecting?
Arnold Kisoka: I hope to give the DRC its first Olympic medal. Just as I won a medal at the Francophonie Games, I will win a medal at the Olympic Games too.
You are confident, but how did your preparation go?
Arnold Kisoka: Conditions in Kinshasa were very difficult. I had no financial means, I trained without adequate equipment, without a sparring partner, without water. But since arriving in Paris the situation has improved markedly. I keep asking the authorities in my country to support me so that my motivation is at its maximum.
You were chosen as one of the Olympic flame bearers. How do you feel?
Arnold Kisoka: It's a great source of pride for me to enter Olympic history as the first Congolese to carry the Olympic flame. It's unprecedented.
The Congolese public is very demanding. Do you have a message for them?
Arnold Kisoka: In sport there are no miracles. The secret of success is hard work. I ask the public not to be harsh on us Congolese athletes, because our opponents prepared in very good conditions. For us, it was a bit difficult, but we will do our best, me and the other Congolese athletes who will take part in these Paris Games, to bring back at least one medal to the country.