Athletics: A lot more to do

By James Bakama

Uganda Athletics Federation has its work cut out as far as field events are concerned.

These events are not represented in the country’s 10 athletes who have so far hit the Beijing World Championships standard.

Federation officials concede that even in the remaining 20 days to the qualification deadline, they do not see any Ugandan in this area making it to Beijing.

That this has been the case for a long time on the big stage is a bold statement on the task facing the federation. Some have argued that concentration should be on events where Uganda has a comparative advantage.

This probably explains the effort put in long distance running. But a look into Uganda’s history reveals names like Patrick Etolu (high jump) and Justin Arop (javelin).

The two were at their helm amongst the world’s best, meaning that with some effort Uganda can still produce stars from field events.
 

true
Women’s Steeplechase is slowly but surely taking root in the country. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

During the national championships athletes like Patrick Kibwota and Lucy Aber (javelin) proved exactly that. Their throws were not very far away from the Beijing standard.

Results in this area will however only come with serious work.

The field events just like the sprints are highly technical events that require serious input of not only well facilitated athletes but also qualified coaches.

Results can best be achieved with serious input right from primary school level. But as it turns out, many of the athletes seem only to get exposed to some of these events at national events at Namboole.

Meanwhile UAF got a big boost on Friday with Mukwano Group promising more support to the federation.

For the past three years Mukwano have offered at least 30 cartons of their Aqua Sipi water to every UAF competition.



Also related to this story

How sprinter Kigonya snubbed UK

Rio 2016: Boosting local competition top priority

National Athletics Championship: Tough day one