Uganda is set to field a strong athletics team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. The Olympics in Paris will run from July 26 to August 11. The athletics team comprises 10 men and 11 women runners, who will compete in various events.
In the sprint events, US-based Tarsis Orogot will run the 200m, while Tom Dradiga and Halima Nakaayi will compete in the 800m. Winnie Nanyondo will be the sole representative in the 1500m race.
In the 3000m steeplechase, Leonard Chemutai and Peruth Chemutai will vie for medals, while six athletes will compete in the 5000m events. Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, Oscar Chelimo, and Jacob Kiplimo will run in the men’s 5000m, with Belinda Chemutai, Esther Chebet, and Joy Cheptoyek competing in the women’s event.
The 10,000m race will feature a strong Ugandan contingent, including Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Joy Cheptoyek, Sarah Chelangat, Annet Chemengich Chalengat, and Martin Magengo Kiprotich. Cheptegei, the current world record holder in the 5000m and 10,000m events, won gold and silver medals in the previous Olympics in Tokyo.
Uganda’s marathon team includes Stephen Kissa, Victor Kiplangat, Andrew Rotich Kwemboi, Stellah Chesang, Rebecca Cheptegei, and Mercyline Chelangat.
Apart from athletics, Uganda will also be represented in cycling by Charles Kagimu, rowing by Grace Kathleen Noble, and swimming by Gloria Muzito and Jesse Ssengonzi.
President Yoweri Museveni and Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Janet Museveni, flagged off Team Uganda on Tuesday.
Uganda won four medals in the last Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, bringing the country’s total medals to 11 (four gold, four silver, and three bronze). The team, which will be travelling very soon, aims to bring more glory to Uganda.
