Toroitich, Bacia vow to dominate distances

By Samson Opus UGANDA junior athletes Kiprop Toroitich and Mary Bacia have vowed to undo world distance giants Kenya at future international meets. Toroitich and Bacia made the assertion at Entebbe yesterday on return from their successful Africa Junior championship in Mauritius. “I am no longer afraid of Kenyans anymore. My next target is a medal at senior championship,” said Toroitich who upset Kenyans athletes to the gold medal in the 5000 metre final on Saturday. The student distance athlete who also snatched silver in the 10,000m race was part of Uganda’s World cross-country bronze medal winning team in Portugal last year. Bacia who bagged a bronze in Mauritius too promised better results in future. “It is good I have known their (Kenyans) techniques. My next target is gold,” said the Mvara SS student. The pair, accompanied by coach Nalis Bigingo received a hearty welcome at the airport led by Uganda Amateur Athletic Federation (UAAF) chairman Sulaiman Habib. The team was later hosted to a reception at National Council of Sports (NCS) Lugogo headquarters. UAAF patron Maj. Gen. Salim Saleh through his personal assistant Juma Seiko promised to provide athletics with more facilitation. Ends