From being rejected for being ‘too small’ to becoming an Olympian – The inspiring story of Kenya Sevens’ George Ooro

How George ‘Japolo’ Ooro went from being rejected for being ‘too small’ to becoming a key player for Shujaa in their quest for Olympic glory.

Strathmore Leos’ George Ooro is set to make his first Olympic appearance after being selected for the final 12-man Kenya Sevens squad for the upcoming Games, which will be held in Paris in August.

Ooro, better known in local rugby circles as ‘Japolo’, which means ‘man sent from heaven’, never expected to be among the players at the last Olympic Games, which were held in Tokyo in 2021.

At the time, the Shujaa team had experienced players like Andrew Amonde, who is now the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Ooro, then a newly enrolled student at KCA University, was rejected by Strathmore in 2020 for being “too small.”

Despite the setback, Ooro did not give up.

Kenya Sevens coach Kevin Wambua has retained the same squad that delivered impressive performances during his tenure for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“In life you have to make room for disappointment wherever you go. I decided to take myself from the countryside all the way to Nairobi but was found to be too small,” Earo shared with Kenya Olympic Games.

The COVID-19 pandemic gave him the opportunity to train hard at home, joining his village team to stay fit and hone his skills.

Ooro’s training during the pandemic was unconventional, but effective.

“We used to play like estates. Maybe Nyalenda versus Nyamasaria and so on. We played without shoes and without medical precautions like ambulances. That made us strong,” Ooro remembers.

Kenya Sevens co-captain Tony Omondi told how after the disappointment of missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, he helped Shujaa secure a place at the 2024 Paris Games.

His mother played a crucial role in his physical development by making sure he had a nutritious diet. “My mother made porridge and cooked more carbohydrates for me to get energy again.”

Determined to succeed, Ooro gave Strathmore another chance when he enrolled at university. This time, his efforts paid off.

“One day I came to practice with them and they told me I had grown enough to be part of the team. I hadn’t bonded with anyone else except Strathmore Leos players,” said Ooro.

Ooro’s dedication and hard work began to pay off during the 2021/22 Kenya Cup season where he played a key role for Strathmore Leos.

His performances in the 2022 National Sevens Circuit earned him a spot in the dream team and caught the attention of former Sevens coach Damian McGrath. Ooro made his debut in the 2022/2023 HSBC Sevens Series, alongside his best friend and fellow first caller, Dennis Abukuse.

“Making my debut was nice. McGrath gave me chances. I got a full second half against Ireland. At first I was scared but I thought, ‘I’m here, what can I do? Just do the basics’,” Ooro tells

“From there I learned and gained experience. I learned how to attack and defend, and I grew as the season went on.”

Despite Kenya’s relegation from core team status, they made a swift comeback and earned promotion at the first attempt. Ooro played a major role in the team’s qualification for the Olympics, demonstrating his significant growth and contribution to the squad.

Now, as he prepares for the Olympics, Ooro wants to help Kenya Sevens achieve a first podium finish. His journey from being considered too small to becoming an Olympian is a testament to his resilience and hard work.

Ooro’s story is not just one of personal triumphs, but also of the potential of young, local talent in Kenya. As he steps onto the Olympic stage, Ooro embodies the spirit of perseverance and the promise of a bright future for Kenyan rugby.

Follow the Pulse Sports X account for more updates.