Acon takes to coaching
Oct 03, 2006
TWO time Olympian Julius Acon has turned to coaching in Portland, Oregon, USA.
By Norman Katende
TWO time Olympian Julius Acon has turned to coaching in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Acon (above), the national 800m (1:44.55), 1000m (2:17.10), 1500m (3:35.68) and mile (3:35.58) record holder, is now preparing youngsters for international events in Portland’s hilly terrain, in an effort to produce future stars.
“I like to get them when they are small,†Acon told Oregonlive.com recently. “They are like the food you pick in the garden. It’s fresh and healthy, not infested with insects.â€
Acon, who has been in Portland since 2003, is a member of the Nike sponsored Oregon Project. He is already making a big name with young runners, among them Jordan Paden, 14, who has broken several age-group records this season.
Acon also works as an assistant track coach in charge of distance runners at Catlin Gabel School as he prepares to compete in the marathon in the future.
“Acon had some ideas about the right way to train young runners, borrowing from his own childhood in rural northern Uganda.â€
Acon is also helping 11 orphans get education in Lira. This he has done with the help of two time American Olympian Davis Marc, who has been able to construct for them a house, provided food and clothing.
TWO time Olympian Julius Acon has turned to coaching in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Acon (above), the national 800m (1:44.55), 1000m (2:17.10), 1500m (3:35.68) and mile (3:35.58) record holder, is now preparing youngsters for international events in Portland’s hilly terrain, in an effort to produce future stars.
“I like to get them when they are small,†Acon told Oregonlive.com recently. “They are like the food you pick in the garden. It’s fresh and healthy, not infested with insects.â€
Acon, who has been in Portland since 2003, is a member of the Nike sponsored Oregon Project. He is already making a big name with young runners, among them Jordan Paden, 14, who has broken several age-group records this season.
Acon also works as an assistant track coach in charge of distance runners at Catlin Gabel School as he prepares to compete in the marathon in the future.
“Acon had some ideas about the right way to train young runners, borrowing from his own childhood in rural northern Uganda.â€
Acon is also helping 11 orphans get education in Lira. This he has done with the help of two time American Olympian Davis Marc, who has been able to construct for them a house, provided food and clothing.