Africa-Press – Kenya. The ICY Taekwondo Club head coach, Vincent Dock, wants his players to “train like a beast, win like a champion” in their quest for local and continental honours.
The Kisumu-based club have intensified their training ahead of the African Championships set for February 2026, and the Ambassador’s Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.
The rigorous sessions, held three times a day, are designed to sharpen the athletes’ form and boost their competitiveness.
“We’ve been training three times a day; morning, afternoon and evening. Our players are showing progressive improvement. This is the perfect platform to build up for the African Championships next year. It will also help us identify potential talents to represent us in the Ambassador’s Cup in Rwanda,” said Dock.
“Our aim is to shine on the global stage.”
He has great hope in three athletes who recently earned places in the national team for the Taekwondo U21 World Championships, scheduled for December 3–6, 2025, at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi.
“We knew even before the trials that they would make the national team,” Dock said. “I’m sure they will win medals for the country at the World Championships, which could guarantee them direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.”
Representing ICY Taekwondo Club in the national team are Stacy Dock and Sophy Clay in the women’s category and Willias Odhiambo in the men’s division. Stacy has been appointed U21 team captain, while Odhiambo continues to serve as the national team captain.
Clay credited her success to discipline and commitment:
“Discipline, commitment in training, and listening to the coach’s advice have been the pillars of my success. I’m now fully charged and prepared for the World Championship as I represent my country,” she said.
Stacy, who has enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, expressed confidence in her continued progress.
“2025 has been my most successful year. I have represented Kenya in several tournaments. In the 2025 Korean Ambassador’s Cup in Uganda and Rwanda, I won gold and was named the best female athlete,” she said.
“I also competed in the President’s Cup in Ethiopia and the World University Games in Germany, where I reached the quarterfinals. These tournaments exposed me to new experiences. I’m confident of winning a medal for my country at the World Championships.”
Meanwhile, Odhiambo attributed his success to consistency and determination.
“Consistency, resilience and hard work have brought me this far. My focus now is on delivering even better results in the upcoming competitions,” he noted.
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