Susan Wakhungu
Source: The Karims, A Sporting Dynasty
The 1970s: famed for great music and charismatic attire, but did you know they were a golden time for Kenyan women in tennis?
Born in Bungoma County, Susan Wakhungu’s family relocated to Nairobi when she was 11. She completed her primary education at St. George’s Primary School before enrolling at Loreto Convent Valley Road. While in high school, Susan thrived at extracurricular activities and soon took up lawn tennis, where she found her passion.The 1970s: famed for great music and charismatic attire, but did you know they were a golden time for Kenyan women in tennis?
Being on the tennis court ignited a desire in Susan – to be the best tennis player in Kenya. Achieving this title wasn’t going to be a stroll in the park which meant Susan spent an immense amount of time building her skill. The time spent on the court and the discipline acquired paid off in 1978 when Susan qualified to represent Kenya in the Junior Girls’ Singles category at the 1978 Wimbeldon Championships. She was the first African female to take part at the event.
Although she didn’t secure a medal, her participation was recognized throughout the continent and the following month, Susan once again was a flag bearer at the third edition of the All Africa Games in Algeria. Listed in the singles and doubles categories, she was determined to accelerate her tennis legacy and that she did. Susan secured a gold medal in her first match and in the doubles, where she partnered with pro tennis player, Jane Davies. The pair’s skill earned Kenya a silver medal after the final match, making Kenya’s total tennis medal count three, with two gold and one silver. For several years Susan was the top ranked Ladies player in Kenyan tennis and went on to represent Kenya at the 1987 All Africa Games. Tennis brought Susan fame and fortune as well when she was awarded a Tennis scholarship to attend Sarah Lawrence University.
We congratulate Susan Wakhungu for breaking boundaries in the game of lawn tennis and taking us to places we had never been!
