Musobo flies Uganda's flag high despite his life being in danger.

It takes rare nerves to endure what athlete Fred Musobo has had to bear with. Despite life threats stemming from a land dispute, Musobo continues representing Uganda with distinction.

The World Mountain Running title is one of the latest accolades that this teenager has won. James Bakama talked to Musobo and the athlete opened up on not only his life as a champion, but also his troubles in his home district Kween.

What is it like being a world champion?

I am happy. The World Mountain Running gold medal in Wales came as a surprise. I knew I could win a medal but not gold. I am therefore very happy.

But as I crossed the finishing line it also dawned on me that my serious preparations in Italy played a very big role.

I went to Italy with a sheen injury. Thank God I healed then trained hard to emerge champion. My training at the Tuscany camp in Italy helped a great deal.

Besides Flavio Pasqualato who has helped me alot, I also thank my coach Giuseppe Gambrone and fellow athletes.

You were ninth at the World Cross-country. Five months later you became a world champion. What are you promising us next season?

My target is a medal at the Rio Olympics. I am eyeing a podium finish in the 5000 meters. Ultimately my dream as an athlete is an Olympic gold medal. I don’t plan to stay on track for long. I want to switch to the marathon in two years. By the way I am in the same club with world marathon bronze medalist Solomon Mutai.

What about the world cross-country. Did you ever have any hopes of finishing in the top ten on your international debut?

I can’t really say that I expected to be in the top ten. All I can tell you is that I wanted to do well. But I must also say that running in China (world cross-country) and Wales were the biggest challenge of my life.

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What exactly do you mean?

There was more to these races than just running. My life was in danger. I ran in China with serious wounds after being beaten and injured in a land dispute in my village in Kween district.

There are people who want to take our family land. There are also people who are not happy that I am running well. I was even threatened with arrest.

After China I was again attacked. All my property was robbed including $300 I had got from the China trip. All the medals I won in school were also stolen. My house was destroyed.

But isn’t this a police case?

True. But little has been done. I have even received death threats. Can you imagine police was present when my house was being destroyed and my elderly mother being beaten? Nothing was done.  I don’t know whether she will even survive through the year.

How were you able to put all this behind you and concentrate on the races?

It was one of the hardest things. But I eventually managed to concentrate in the race. I wanted to make my country proud. But it was still hard because for instance in Italy I kept receiving messages that my life was in danger back home.

Even now as we speak, I don’t feel safe. Someone threatened to break me so that I wouldn’t be able to run again. I went to police but the case wasn’t taken seriously.

I just don’t even know how I managed to win in Wales. I kept receiving calls in Italy that I was a wanted  man back home.

Besides athletics what else do you do?

I am a student and also a farmer. I cultivate maize, Irish, wheat, barley and beans.

I am a senior four student of Chemanga Seed Secondary School.

How do you balance books and running?

I have put books on hold this year. Early this year I failed to raise examination registration fees. I will therefore sit for my O-levels next year. In these remaining months I could catch up on lost time by reading with senior three students.

Are you involved in any other sport?

Yes. I am a good footballer. I love playing on the wings and always score goals. I am member of the Mountain Eagles Football Club. Outside Uganda, I am a Machester United fan.

I would be a very active footballer today but I chose athletics because I felt there were more chances of getting injured in football.

Like any athlete, you must have an idol

It is Joshua Cheptegei. I also adore Stephen Kiprotich. Cheptegei gives us guidelines in training. Kiprotich on the other hand opened up the way for us to winning medals on the big stage.

 As you head into the off season what are your plans?

Of course I will continue training. My immediate plan is to prepare for the MTN marathon. If I am strong enough, I will go for the 21km. If I am in shape this is a race I can win.

Uganda will be hosting the 2017 World Cross-country. What do you promise your home fans?

of course I will be going for a medal. There is nothing sweeter than getting a medal at home.

Anything you would like to finally say?

Not much. All I can say is that I am not settled. But most important, I thank God for giving me gold.

Know your athlete

Favourite meal: Posho, greens, beans and milk.

Favourite car: Landcruiser sport

Sportswear: Nike

Movie: None

Artiste: Jose Chameleon, Mike Rotich

On facebook: Yes

Whatsapp: Yes

Twitter: No

FACTFILE

Age :19

Club: Tuscany Camp

Manager: Flavio Pasqualato

Coach: Giuseppe Gambrone

Honors: World Mountain running champion

Ninth at the World Cross-country

What others say

Coach Benjamin Longiros

Musobo is a very focused athlete. He knows exactly what he wants and is ready to for it. But most important he is a big talent with great potential.

UAF member Flavio Pasqualato

Musobo has great potential considering that he is still a junior. That he is already a world champion in mountain running also says volumes about his future. He was also the only Ugandan who beat favourite Joshua Cheptegei at the World Cross-country.

He might not be so fast but his endurance could see him also shine in the marathon. He currently has some family problems but we shall continue helping and encouraging him not to lose focus.

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