Shafick Murungi:The Fort Portal boy dreaming of world records

Shafick Murungi emerged as one of Uganda’s brightest young middle-distance prospects at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, impressing in the men’s 800m to reach the final.

Murungi qualified for the semifinals with the fastest time of 1:46.46 before clocking 1:46.41 in the semifinals to secure his place in the final.

Currently 17 years old, his global stage journey began in Senior Two at Moons Ville Secondary School in Fort Portal, where athletics was an unexpected turn in his sporting career.

“At first, I wanted to be a football player, but I was denied a chance to be on the team. The coaches said I was young and still had years to play. However, I wanted to take part in sports. When the athletics coach asked me to join the team, I gladly joined,” Murungi recalls.

He initially competed in the 5,000m before switching to the 800m after discovering that his speed was better suited to middle-distance running.

“I had speed but I had no endurance. When I took part in the 800m and saw that I could do well, I never looked back,” he says.

Running talent was not entirely new to Murungi’s family. His aunt was a runner, while some of his elder brothers also competed in athletics, although none reached the international level.

Murungi’s breakthrough came when he qualified for the U20 World Championships. The news left him overwhelmed with excitement.

“They called my coach Opio to tell him about my U20 qualification. When I got to know about it, I was very happy and I did not sleep. I started seeing my dream come to pass,” he says.

In Eugene, Murungi delivered on the big stage, progressing through the heats and semifinals to reach the 800m final.

His performance also drew attention to the growing athletics talent outside Uganda’s traditional running hubs, particularly the Sebei region.

Murungi says he was surprised by a comment on one of his videos during the championships.

“One person commented, ‘How can Murungi run? I thought all athletes come from Kapchorwa.’”

For him, the reaction reinforced his belief that talent can emerge from any part of the country.

“I want to let all Ugandans know that they can. If you are determined, you can also become a good athlete. Believe in yourself; everything is possible,” he says.

Murungi looks up to Joshua Cheptegei, whose world-record performances have shaped his ambitions.

“When I saw Cheptegei breaking world records, I was inspired. Even when I am training, my dream is to be like him, break world records and be recognised nationally and internationally. I want to be a world champion and break records consistently,” he says.

Jimmy Adar, who coached Murungi during the U20 World Championships, believes the youngster has the potential to reach the highest level if properly guided.

“He needs guidance and a good programme; he is good to go,” Adar says.

However, Murungi still faces challenges common among developing athletes, particularly access to training attire and adequate nutrition.

“I need support with training attire and feeding. Not necessarily money, but the help needed to make me a successful athlete. I believe that if I get assistance, I can become the champion I dream of,” he says.

From a football hopeful in Fort Portal to an international 800m finalist, Murungi has already taken a significant step towards his dream.

But for the young runner, reaching the U20 World Championships is only the beginning. His sights are now set on becoming a world champion and breaking records on the global stage.