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Photos:: Competitive jump-rope in Kenya

Beryl Atieno, left, and teammates laugh during practice in Nairobi, Kenya. At first, her family didn't understand her fascination with jumping rope. "I was not interested," her mother said. "She did not have time to help me cook or wash dishes."

Beryl Atieno, left, and teammates laugh during practice in Nairobi, Kenya. At first, her family didn’t understand her fascination with jumping rope. “I was not interested,” her mother said. “She did not have time to help me cook or wash dishes.”   (Kate Linthicum / Los Angeles Times)

Kenya’s first -- and only -- competitive jump-roping team prepares for the World Jump Rope Championship, an annual competition being held this week in Orlando, Fla. More than 500 athletes from 15 countries are doing battle in several categories.

Competitive jump-rope

Beryl Atieno jumps while teammate Christine Juma turns the ropes in Nairobi, Kenya. The girls traveled to Florida this week to compete.  (Kate Linthicum / Los Angeles Times)

Competitive jump-rope

Beryl Atieno practices her freestyle routine last week in preparation for the competition in Orlando, Fla.   (Kate Linthicum / Los Angeles Times)

Competitive jump-rope

Members of the Kenyan and Tanzanian jump-roping teams relax after practice at a sports stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.   (Kate Linthicum / Los Angeles Times)

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