Nakaayi targets podium finish at 2025 World Athletics Championships

Halima Nakaayi, Uganda’s celebrated middle-distance runner, is among the 21 athletes who have qualified for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set to take place from September 13–21 in Tokyo, Japan.

The 30-year-old 800m specialist will be making her fourth appearance on the world stage, once again carrying Uganda’s hopes as the country’s sole female representative in the event.

Her journey to Tokyo comes with heightened expectations, following her historic triumph at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, where she stormed to gold in the women’s 800m, becoming Uganda’s first female world champion in middle-distance running.

Reflecting on that breakthrough moment, Nakaayi emphasized the strategic depth required to win. “800m is a very tactical race. Winning in Doha wasn’t by chance. I put in a lot of hard work, and I’m proud that it paid off,” she said.

Now, with more experience and renewed confidence, Nakaayi believes she is in prime condition to challenge for another medal in Tokyo. She attributes her resurgence to a major shift in her training environment. Recently, she relocated to Kaptagat, Kenya, to train under the guidance of renowned coach Patrick Sang.

“My move to Kenya to train at Kaptagat under coach Patrick Sang, alongside world-class athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon, is now paying off. It always motivates me to surround myself with people who are hungry for victory,” Nakaayi shared.

The Kaptagat camp is widely regarded as one of the most successful training hubs for long- and middle-distance runners, having produced multiple Olympic and world champions. For Nakaayi, the inspiration and discipline drawn from that environment have sharpened both her mental and physical edge ahead of Tokyo.

With Uganda fielding a strong team of 21 athletes across various track and field disciplines, Nakaayi stands out as one of the nation’s most experienced and decorated female runners. She remains optimistic that her blend of experience, tactical awareness, and elite training will make her a serious contender once again.

“With my performance this year and how I feel about my body, I know this will be a good year for me, if I stay healthy,” she said with determination.

As Nakaayi prepares for her fourth World Championships, her story continues to be one of resilience, growth, and national pride. Whether or not she adds another medal to her collection, her journey remains a powerful source of inspiration for Uganda and beyond.