PHOTOS: Kalimpinya ‘overwhelmed’ after Hamilton praise
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Queen Kalimpinya, a fast-rising rally driver and former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant during the competition. Photo by Igihe.com

Queen Kalimpinya, a fast-rising rally driver and former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant, said she is 'beyond grateful' after Formula One super star Sir Lewis Hamilton recognised her racing journey on social media.

READ ALSO: From runway to racetrack: Kalimpinya on chasing her rally racing dream

A number of international media agencies have in recent months been reporting about Kalimpinya&039;s budding racing journey.

On Wednesday, June 14, ‘Females in Motorsport’, a volunteer-run platform, sharing stories and celebrating talent of women in motorsport from those racing to those working behind the scenes, posted a short story of Kalimpinya’s fast rise from a beauty queen to becoming Rwanda’s first ever female rally driver in Rwanda.

When joint-record seven-time Formula 1 winner Hamilton, who visited Rwanda in August 2022, read Kalimpinya’s story via the Females in Motorsport Instagram page, he reposted it in support and admiration of the former beauty queen’s passion and dedication to motorsport, something that left her beyond excited.

Kalimpinya got into competitive rally racing through encouragement from the Rwanda Automobile Club who, she says, have always been supportive to her through her journey.

"I’m overwhelmed by joy,” Kalimpinya told Times Sport reacting to Hamilton’s post.

"I don’t know whether others took it the way I did but it’s like playing in a &039;Tarinyota’ [amateurs] team and you realize that Cristiano or Messi has posted you," she said.

"It is really encouraging when you see a famous Formula One driver like Lewis appreciating what you do. I am just getting started."

Kalimpinya, 24, started as a co-driver Olivier Ngabo in 2019 until she started racing as a driver during the 2022 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, becoming the first ever female Rwandan rally driver to do so.

ALSO READ: Kalimpinya positive despite poor show at Rwanda Gorilla Rally

About Kalimpinya

Kalimpinya was born in Gasabo, Kigali into a family of five siblings. Her family later moved to Gitega, Nyarugenge, where she says to have had a pretty interesting childhood.

Queen Kalimpinya, Rwanda’s first ever female rally driver. Photo by Hardy Uwihanganye

She was always in constant competition with her elder brother who is two years older than her. The two were always together competing in different games, and Kalimpinya loved following her brother everywhere.

Most times, she would find herself ‘chilling’ with boys, thus developing a tomboyish behaviour. And that’s how she learned how to ride a bicycle at a very young age.

Kalimpinya got into competitive rally racing through encouragement from the Rwanda Automobile Club who, she says, have always been supportive to her through her journey.

Kalimpinya showcases her skills during Rwanda Gorilla Rally in September 2022
Kalimpinya showcases her skills in Bugesera during Rwanda Gorilla Rally in September 2022
Miss Rwanda 2017 finalist Queen Kalimpinya's car during the race. She was among the drivers who did not finish the Rwanda Gorilla Rally race in September 2022 as she abandoned after her car encountered mechanical issues at the 11th special stage
Queen Kalimpinya became the first Rwandan woman driver to compete in the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally since its inception in 2002.
Kalimpinya showcases her skills during Rwanda Gorilla Rally in September 2022
Minister of Sports Mimosa Munyagaju poses for a photo with Queen Kalimpinya.
Queen Kalimpinya, former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant during Miss Rwanda grand finale in 2017. Photo by Nadege Imbabazi
Queen Kalimpinya, former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant flanked by other contestants during Miss Rwanda grand finale in 2017. Photo by Nadege Imbabazi
Queen Kalimpinya, former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant presents her project during Miss Rwanda grand finale in 2017. Photo by Nadege Imbabazi
Queen Kalimpinya, former finalist in Miss Rwanda beauty pageant presents her project during Miss Rwanda grand finale in 2017. Photo by Nadege Imbabazi