London 2012, a dream come true for Julius Mutekanga

Jul 25, 2012

For middle distance runner Julius Mutekanga, the London Olympics are a dream come true.

By James Bakama

For middle distance runner Julius Mutekanga, the London Olympics are a dream come true.

The US based athlete has always prayed for the day he would make it to the prestigious quadrennial event.

So, when he eventually made it to Uganda’s team, he promised to make the best of the

opportunity.

“When you’re running, you’re looking at improving your personal best time, so it doesn’t matter whether you win or not,” Mutekanga told NewYorkPress.

“As long as you’re running faster and faster, that’s the ultimate goal.

In London, he will be competing in the 800m. His first race is on August 6.

The former Long Island University student, has been on a steady rise over the past two years.

He has competed in numerous events, and represented Uganda at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea in 2011.

While a member of the Blackbirds, Mutekanga took home back-to-back NEC outdoor titles in the 800m run in 2009 and 2010. He also won the 800m event indoors in 2010, helping his team to its first-ever NEC team championship.

In the following indoor season, Mutekanga won the 400m dash and finished second in the 800m run on the collegiate circuit.

Mutekanga concluded his successful time at the New York University with five school records, including individual records in the indoor and outdoor 800m run and the 500m indoor dash.

Mutekanga, who hails from Fort Portal, attributes his fighting spirit to a challenging childhood.

“Growing up in Africa gave me a humble background,” Mutekanga said.

“It gave me a sense of hard work. If you want things, you have to work hard for them. I’m just here for myself –– I don’t have any relatives in New York. All my family is back home.”

He often thinks about his 4-year-old daughter and his nieces and nephews, who look up to him and admire his athletic accomplishments.

“They look out for me,” Mutekanga said.

This time it will not only be his family looking up to him, but the entire Uganda.

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