By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has unveiled a team of 20 athletes to represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month.
Over 10,000 top athletes from around the world will take part in the Games slated for July 26 to August 11 in France.
Announcing the track and field squad, UAF President Dominic Otuchet said the team boosts experienced athletes who have what it takes to win medals for the country.
“We have athletes who have been proven and tested at the big stage,” said Otuchet.
World star Joshua Cheptegei who bagged a gold and silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 will lead Uganda’s team together with half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo. The duo will battle in the 5,000m and 10,000m final.
“After getting a bronze medal at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo, my target is now to improve and win a gold medal. I know it will call for a lot of hard work to be able to achieve this and I am already working hard,” says Kiplimo.
Female athlete Peruth Chemutai who won a gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase will also be another medal hopeful for the Ugandan team.
The team has 10 male and 10 female athletes, with another two, Belinda Chemutai and Loice Chekwemoi, on the waiting list. Besides track and field athletes, Uganda will also have two swimmers, a cyclist and a female rower.
Uganda Team
Male: Tarsis Gracious Orogot (200m), Tom Dradriga (800m), Jacob Kiplimo, Joshua Cheptegei (5,000m/10,000m), Oscar Chelimo (5,000m), Martin Magengo Kiprotich (10,000m), Leonard Chemutai (3,000m SC), Victor Kiplangat, Stephen Kissa, Andrew Rotich Kwemoi (Marathon);
Female: Halimah Nakaayi (800m), Winnie Nanyondo (1,500m), Joy Cheptoyek (5,000m/10,000m), Esther Chebet (5,000m), Sarah Chelangat, Annet Chemengich Chelangat (10,000m), Peruth Chemutai (3,000m SC), Stella Chesang, Rebecca Cheptegei, Mercyline Chelangat (marathon); Reserves: Belinda Chemutai (5,000m), Loice Chekwemoi (3,000m SC).
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