It’s time UAF got serious on field events
May 25, 2008
UGANDA Athletics Federation toasted to yet another success when Geoffrey Kusuro hit the Olympic qualifying mark in the Hengelo Grand prix. He joined the list that already has Boniface Kiprop (10000m), Moses Kipsiro (5000m), Abraham Chepkirwok (800m), Benjamin Kiplagat (3000m SC) and Alex Malinga (m
By Norman Katende
UGANDA Athletics Federation toasted to yet another success when Geoffrey Kusuro hit the Olympic qualifying mark in the Hengelo Grand prix. He joined the list that already has Boniface Kiprop (10000m), Moses Kipsiro (5000m), Abraham Chepkirwok (800m), Benjamin Kiplagat (3000m SC) and Alex Malinga (marathon).
However, the list is biased to middle and long distance. Though the sprinters are being handled by Noah Ssengendo, a former sprinter, the field events have lagged behind because the country is lacking active professional coaches for the more technical events.
In this era where scientific methods are needed to enhance performances, throwers and vertical and horizontal jumpers are training without even the basics. Surprisingly Uganda has trained many field coaches but none has taken the courage to put this knowledge into action.
Javelin throwers Patrick Kibwota and Annet Kabasindi would certainly have hit the Beijing marks but have for a year trained in vain because of lack of proper guidance.
This is the time for UAF to start being tough on coaches who train but fail in the responsibility of imparting what they’ve learnt.
If barely two decades ago Uganda could, in Justin Arop, have one of the world’s best throwers, then sure javelin talent must be in abundance in Uganda.
UGANDA Athletics Federation toasted to yet another success when Geoffrey Kusuro hit the Olympic qualifying mark in the Hengelo Grand prix. He joined the list that already has Boniface Kiprop (10000m), Moses Kipsiro (5000m), Abraham Chepkirwok (800m), Benjamin Kiplagat (3000m SC) and Alex Malinga (marathon).
However, the list is biased to middle and long distance. Though the sprinters are being handled by Noah Ssengendo, a former sprinter, the field events have lagged behind because the country is lacking active professional coaches for the more technical events.
In this era where scientific methods are needed to enhance performances, throwers and vertical and horizontal jumpers are training without even the basics. Surprisingly Uganda has trained many field coaches but none has taken the courage to put this knowledge into action.
Javelin throwers Patrick Kibwota and Annet Kabasindi would certainly have hit the Beijing marks but have for a year trained in vain because of lack of proper guidance.
This is the time for UAF to start being tough on coaches who train but fail in the responsibility of imparting what they’ve learnt.
If barely two decades ago Uganda could, in Justin Arop, have one of the world’s best throwers, then sure javelin talent must be in abundance in Uganda.