Acon misses American IAAF Permit meet

By James Bakama JULIUS Acon for unknown reason opted out of the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene,USA. Acon, earlier listed as one of the favourites in the mile, did not appear on the 16-man starting list for the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) organised meet yesterday. The race, scheduled for last evening, had all the other expected stars, led by the fastest middle distance runner Hicham El Guerrouj, in attendance. "I do not know what could have happened," said Acon's Canadian coach Mansoor Esmail. He was expected to connect to the US last week from Portugal. Mansoor, who had earlier predicted a stiff battle between Acon and Guerrouj, said the Ugandan might have failed to get a visa. Acon failed to compete in the same race last year after being denied a US visa. Mansoor said Acon's failure to compete in the Prefontaine Classic denied his athlete a chance to gauge himself ahead of the Edmonton World Championship. Meanwhile, UAAF has from its Saturday trial at Kyambogo released a provisional squad for the Eastern Africa championships due June 8 to 9 at Namboole. A final team that enters residence Thursday will be named today after another trial. The squad: 100m Girls-R. Nabiyonga, S. Nambatya, S. Kizza. Boys-S. Kule, M. Lukwago, J. Dramani. 200m Girls- G. Nabiyonga J. Musathi, Sylvia Kizza. 400m Girls- R. Nakitto, G. Nabiyonga, L. Musati. Boys- R. Twijukye, J. Mukiibi, M. Mubiru. Boys- S. Kironde, W. Sebulya, H. Musa; 1,500m Girls-S. Driciru, F. Chebet, E. Chebet. 3000m-Boys M. Mpanga, M. Tamiro, N. Nsubuga. Discuss Boys- Mukalazi, Mutalaya L/jump Girls- L. Agul. Boys-F. Sebulya, R. Ndagire.