Nakaayi off to flying start with season-best 800m in Commonwealth warm-up
The former world champion finished third in the women's 800 metres at the prestigious meeting held on Friday, June 19, clocking a season-best time of 1:58.41.
Uganda’s middle-distance star Halima Nakaayi. Courtesy photo
Uganda’s middle-distance star Halima Nakaayi has taken a significant step in her quest for a Commonwealth Games medal after producing an impressive performance at the Doha Diamond League in Qatar.
The former world champion finished third in the women's 800 metres at the prestigious meeting held on Friday, June 19, clocking a season-best time of 1:58.41.
American athlete Addison Wiley won the race, while Nakaayi's podium finish provided further evidence that she is steadily building form ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
For Nakaayi, competing in Doha carried special significance. It was in the Qatari capital where she achieved one of the greatest moments of her career, winning the 800m title at the 2019 World Athletics Championships and becoming Uganda’s first female world champion on the track.
Returning to the venue seven years later, Nakaayi once again showed her class against a strong international field. More importantly, she demonstrated that her preparations for the Commonwealth Games are progressing in the right direction.
Speaking after the race, the Ugandan star expressed satisfaction with her performance, describing the competition as an important assessment of both her speed and fitness levels.
“I am so glad with my performance. I ran my season best and I think I am ready for Glasgow. Before the Commonwealth Games, I have one international race and that will give me a clear picture of where I stand,” Nakaayi said.
The performance comes at a crucial stage of the season as Uganda finalizes preparations for the Commonwealth Games, where Nakaayi is expected to be one of the country's leading medal prospects in athletics.
Having already conquered the world stage and established herself among Africa’s top middle-distance runners, the 31 year-old will be hoping to add a Commonwealth medal to her impressive collection of achievements.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth countries.