Three years ago, Trizah Atuka was in utter pain and despair  after failing to make her dream Olympic Games debut in Tokyo, Japan, due to a knee injury setback.

It was difficult for the smiley Malkia Strikers’ middle-blocker to come to terms with the reality that she would not be going to the Summer Games.

It was even a double blow as she thought her childhood ambition to play on the biggest sporting stage was shattered.

Today, however, is a big day for the Mukumu Girls’ School alumna as she leads the Kenya National Women’s Team to the South Paris Arena for their first match of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games against two-time champions Brazil.

This is a story of defying grim prognoses and challenging fate with unwavering fortitude.

Atuka, 32, suffered a career-threatening injury in 2019 and was forced to stay away from the game for a while.

It was a major setback to her aspirations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Her recovery took many twists and turns, and she could only return to the field of play in 2023, two years after the Games in the Japanese capital.

On May 24, 2023, I sat with Atuka on the stairs of Riadha House in Nairobi. She had accompanied her teammate Pamela Owino, who had been selected to receive an award from the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya after Pamela’s exploits at the 2023 African Women’s Club Championships in Tunisia.

Her face clearly displayed her skepticism about the future of her volleyball career, but one constant phrase she repeated was, “God knows my destiny.”

“I have enjoyed my volleyball career apart from the year 2019 when I got the injury. I really missed playing at that time, and the biggest tournament I missed was the Tokyo Olympics. After playing for the national team for many years at the top level, going to the Olympics in 2021 was surely my dream, just like for any other player.

“I knew we were going to make it to the Tokyo Games, especially after failing to qualify for the Rio 2016 Games. Getting that injury was a low moment for me, but there was nothing I could do at that moment. That situation taught me that when you have the opportunity to do something, you should do it to the best because you do not know what the future holds. I want to do my best now; I want to achieve more.”

With each passing milestone, Atuka, who features for the volleyball club Kenya Pipeline, has embraced life with a resolute heart, surpassing every expectation with grace and tenacity.

When she returned from the injury, Atuka went on to shock the continent, helping Kenya Pipeline finish second at the Club Championships last year. It was even more satisfying and humbling for her to be voted the best blocker at the championships.

“It was a huge motivation since it came after recovering from injury. It was a great testimony to a journey of resilience, determination, and prayers. Getting the award for the best blocker in the continent was a reward for those who stood by me during the difficult period.”

Atuka, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, has expressed her gratitude to coach Geoffrey Kimani, who was instrumental in her recovery.

“Coach Geoffrey Kimani helped me a lot through the rehabilitation process. He did an amazing job with strength and conditioning. I will never forget Coach Kimani’s efforts because he was crucial for my recovery and return to play.”