Chelimo opens Uganda's medal hunt in 2000m steeplechase final in Dakar
Middle-distance runner Racheal Chelimo opens Uganda's medal hunt in athletics on Sunday when she runs in the 2000m steeplechase final at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar.
PHOTOS: Julius Kafuluma
Athletics Sunday 6:20pm
Women’s 2000m steeple chase final
Racheal Chelimo
Uganda's medal hunt at this year's Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal returns today with the track events.
Middle-distance runner Racheal Chelimo opens Uganda's medal hunt in athletics on Sunday when she runs in the 2000m steeplechase final at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar.
Chelimo was among the five-member athletics delegation that arrived in Dakar on Wednesday this week.
The athletes have been having light training to recover their bodies from the 12-hour journey.
Chelimo, who is a notable 3000m runner, will be taking up the 2000m steeplechase for the first time.
"I am ready for my new challenge. I have been training well in Teryet and I am hoping to get a medal for my country."
The 17-year-old will carry the country's medal hopes on her shoulders on her first international debut. She will, however, face stiff competition from Kenyan and Ethiopian teenagers who arrived earlier at the games village.
Athletics team coach Ziana Cheptoek is optimistic Chelimo will adjust very well to her new race. "She is very young, capable and very flexible. She still has time to try as many races as she can," Cheptoek said.
Cyclist Ssali in for an international debut test
Ugandan cyclist Ali Ssali arrived in Dakar, Senegal on Wednesday together with the athletics team. He travelled together with his coach, Ishak Bukenya.
Ssali performed well in this year's time trial championship held in Kisumu, Kenya. He will be taking part in both the time trial and road race competitions at Corniche West.
Uganda registered the biggest contingent ever for the Youth Olympic Games and also took part in the highest number of events. With rugby, table tennis, badminton, rowing and swimming done, athletics remains Uganda's only hope for medals at this year's Youth Olympic Games.
Uganda has so far won four medals in the last three editions, including a gold medal, one silver medal and two bronze medals, and they have all come from athletics.