Ogallo, a student at Kibabii University, will be the country's first taekwondo representative at an Olympic Games since Beijing 2008, however despite overcoming the odds to reach Tokyo 2020, she is hopeful of coming away with a medal.

"I’m targeting a podium finish in the Olympics," Ogallo told Daily Nation.

"I will do it for pride and for the nation.

"It will not be easy, but I know it can be done.

"I would like taekwondo to grow locally like other sports through Government support."

Ogallo, 25, who is currently studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work qualified for Tokyo 2020 after beating Florence Eldgima of Chad in the heavyweight final at the African qualification event in Morocco in February.

Ogallo tried out various different sports at university before being encouraged to have a go at taekwondo.

"My coach Eliakim Otieno watched me playing basketball at the university in 2018 and suggested that I try taekwondo because of my physique," said Ogallo.

"Generally, I’m a sporty person and I thought, why not? I attended some classes under his guidance and I slowly learnt the sport. I grew to love it.

"Through determination, I was called to the university team that participates in the annual Kenya University Sports Association Games. We won this year’s title at the games held at Moi University in January. 

"That was the beginning of a new chapter. I have become a regular player in the team."

Ogallo has competed in various competitions for Kibabii University's team including the Mombasa Chairman’s Cup, Korean Ambassador Cup, Tanzania’s Korean Cup and Rwanda's Genocide Memorial Tournament, excelling in all them.

After a string of impressive performances, Ogallo attracted the attention of national team coaches and earned a call up to the Kenyan team last year.

She went on to represent Kenya at the All Africa Games held in Morocco last year, an event that proved a turning point.

"I was at the crossroads," Ogallo said.

"I had to choose between sitting the examinations and honouring the national team call up. 

"I decided to take up the national team assignment and shelve my exams.

"I’m glad I did so because I won silver in my maiden appearance.

"I also took part in the Fujihira Championships in Dubai last year and won gold. 

"My confidence grew, and I decided to focus my energy on taekwondo.

"I’m a junior in the sport, but hard work has enabled me to make tremendous progress."

Ogallo is hoping to continue her progress on the global stage at the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, due to take place from July 23 to August 8 2021.

Despite her growing profile in the country after her qualification for the Olympics, Ogallo is not about to forget her beginnings in the sport.

"I owe my success to the university," Ogallo said.

"I believe the God that has made me achieve what I have and will create a way for me."