Olympics: Injured Nyakisi getting better ahead of race

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RIO DE JANEIRO - Medics from Italy led by Veronica Guiseppe are confident that Adero Nyakisi will be in good condition as they work on treating her torn muscle ahead of Sunday's marathon.

After qualifying for the Olympics, Nyakisi injured her muscle which impacted significantly on her training schedule.

But the only Ugandan female runner at the Olympic Games is confident that she can put up a good performance, with her sights set on setting a national record.

"I have improved and yes the pain has lessened. By Sunday, I believe I will be okay," she said.

Nyakisi is among the many athletes who have benefitted from the Tuscany contract with Uganda athletics federation as her treatment has been by use of some of the muscle strength healing machines that were flown to Rio de Janeiro from Italy to ensure that all the athletes are in good condition.

"She has been undergoing treatment for the last four days and she is healing. She might not perform at 100% as we would have loved but there is less chance that she will strain her muscle or aggravate her injury," said Ugandan coach Giambrone.

"She will put up a good push for a better result."

Nyakisi has battled to have a break into Olympics, falling short by seconds fours year ago after lack of competition and a grass track at Makerere could not favour her during the 2012 National Athletics Championships.