Janet Wanja: Farewell to volleyball icon who gave everything for her sport

If you told the Paris Olympics organisers that their decision to hold the opening ceremony along the Seine River was a masterstroke of symbolism, they wouldn’t have needed convincing.

The Seine, the lifeblood of Paris and a witness to centuries of history has always served as a stage for triumphs, transitions, and farewells.

It was here, on this historic river, that Janet Wanja, one of Kenya’s most beloved volleyball players, embarked on her final mission for the Malkia Queens. As part of the technical bench during the Paris Olympics, Wanja represented the heart and soul of Kenyan volleyball—a career defined by dedication, resilience, and a legacy that transcends the court.

The Seine has long been a silent witness to the climaxes of human endeavours. Not far from where this photo of Wanja was taken during the Olympics opening ceremony, stands the Conciergerie, the prison that held Marie-Antoinette before her fateful march to the guillotine. The Conciergerie is a haunting reminder that even the greats must face their final act.

Wanja’s presence at the Paris Olympics mirrors the historical gravitas of the Seine’s past. Her career, like Marie-Antoinette’s journey to the Conciergerie, reached a poignant culmination along this iconic river. For Wanja, this was not a prison but a platform—a chance to guide the Malkia Queens, instil her wisdom, and witness the world come together in celebration of sport.

History demonstrates her vital role in Kenya’s volleyball journey. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the Kenya volleyball team achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever set at the Games. That team comprised the best Kenya had ever produced, including Mary Ayuma, Violet Barasa, Doris “Scud Thrower” Wefwafwa, Judith Serenge, Emily Wesutila, Jackline Makokha, Margaret Indakhala, and Dorcas Ndasaba.

Former Kenyan national women's volleyball team player Janet Wanja. (Photo: Handout)

However, for some players, it also marked the twilight of their careers. The Athens Olympics that followed four years later saw the inclusion of a new generation of talent, with Janet Wanja, then in her early twenties, among the four players born in the 1980s. She symbolized the transition to a new era of Kenyan volleyball.

Standing at 5’9, Wanja’s spike and block reached an impressive height of 110 inches—a testament to her athleticism and dominance on the court. If you follow volleyball, the legendary Brazilian setter Helia Rogerio de Souza, popularly known by her nickname “Fofao” won Olympic gold in 2008. She stood at 5’8 with a similar vertical elevation as Wanja, showcasing the elite company our Wanja kept in terms of skill and physicality.

There is no doubt, that Wanja’s precision and court vision made her not just a reliable player but also an indispensable leader for the Malkia Queens. As the team’s setter, she was like the mother who made sure the children (read players) were fed, so they could go for the spikes and finish off the opponent.

Isitoshe, much like the Seine, Wanja carried the weight of history. She was the bridge between Kenya’s volleyball past and its future, having inspired generations of players with her on-court brilliance and off-court mentorship. Her presence in Paris was not just a duty; it was a farewell to a life devoted to the game she loved.

As we reflect on Janet Wanja’s life and legacy, the Seine’s enduring flow reminds us of the beauty and brevity of human achievement. It is a river that has seen the rise and fall of empires, the celebration of nations, and now, the quiet farewell of a Kenyan icon who gave everything for her sport.

May her soul rest in peace. Praying for grace, strength, and comfort for the family. May the day break.