John Omondi has walked a path few of his age would. He has delivered where his peers or fellow athletes haven’t.

After retaining the Japanese Karate Association (JKA) African Under 18- Shotokan title, it’s not the end of the road for the 16-year-old Form Three student at Nakuru Day Secondary School. His insatiable hunger for more global titles is just getting more noticeable.

Omondi said nothing will stop him from becoming a world champion soon, if he maintains his ego of maximum achievement in training sessions with the same coaches.

“Winning to become an African champion could be easy, but the format to maintain consistency and discipline could be the biggest challenge in remaining at the top,” Omondi said while receiving a rousing welcome akin to that of First or Second World War soldiers returning home after years in the battlefield.

He had just triumphed in the Japanese Karate Association (JKA) African Cup title to win a gold medal after outwitting a South African opponent in the finals at Ellie Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.

And he’s not mesmerised with the fame that goes with the status of being a continental or a global champion since he hasn’t achieved his cherished ambition yet.

Omondi has trained his eyes in winning more of continental titles as he seeks to become a world champion.

He first won the title when he was nine in the competition that’s held every seven years.

However, the next edition of the event is set for Nairobi in 2027 after JKA-Africa officials confirmed a change in hosting format that now sets the event to be held every three years.

The heroic welcome at the institution marveled the students and teachers in equal measure when Omondi got a standing ovation as his classmates carried him shoulder high in celebration of the great achievement.

 “I’m super happy and I don’t know what to say after all this. However, I must thank my coaches who led me in my training sessions and special thanks go to my father as the first coach and George Kithi for the high class training sessions,” he said.

“This is a wonderful performance,” said his father, Michael Obura, who is also the club’s head coach.

At the World Karate Federation Commonwealth Games in South Africa last year, Omondi was fifth against 57 competitors in the junior category.

“Finishing fifth at a global event shows his potential as a young upcoming global international who’s determined to go places and conquer the world,” said Obura.

Nakuru Day Secondary School Deputy Principal Hebert Nderitu said they have identified patrons to lead formation of Karate and Chess Clubs at the institution to tap more talents.

“It’s a big day for the school after the boy made us proud. He’s equally a top performer in class besides his talent in karate and chess,” said Nderitu.

“For us to tap and mould more talents in honour of the school, the two clubs must be in existence here once we identify the patrons.”

Omondi’s classmate Alphonce Owino said that was a big achievement.

“We are full of joy as we celebrate one of our own who’s equally good in the field and classwork,” he said.