Uganda's candle burns out

By Norman Katende

IAAF World Athletics Championships

Men 800m Heat II

1. A. Kiprop (KEN) 3:38.97
2. A. Wote (ETH) 3:39.05
3. L. Manzano 3:39.22
10. R. Musagala 3:42.12

Any hopes of Uganda’s getting more than one medal at the IAAF World Championships were blown away on Thursday after the remaining man standing Ronald Musagala failed to advance to the semifinal of the men’s 1500m.

Musagala’s exit means Uganda will finish the championships with men’s marathon bronze medal, courtesy of Solomon Mutai, won on the first day of the competition.

Put in a heat that had some of the athletes with the leading times in the world, Musagala tried to control of the pace, but only for the first lap of the three and halflap race.

He decided to change his position, joining eventual race winner Asbel Kiprop, a the back, and hoping that the sprint will not start early.

But knowing how complicated the selection process was, the leading pack of about six athletes sped off with 600m to go, leaving Musagala battling and undecided on whether to chase or just hang on.

But this only ensured that he fell off before struggling to finish 10th as he was welcomed to the big stage 1500m competition.