Know your 2017 IAAF stars: Dorcus Ajok

She once broke a leg on her way to an athletics competition but still recovered to return to the sport. Then there was that time when her mother forcefully pulled her out of a race.

She still again found her way back to the sport. That's how passionate Dorcus Ajok has been with athletics.

"My parents always wanted me to fully concentrate on academics. My mum would get hard on me but I knew I could read and also run," says the Ndejje University student.

This perseverance has indeed paid off. Ajok is today one of Uganda's athletics stars. She will be making her national team debut next week after winning a series of medals in university competitions.

Ajok leads Uganda to the inaugural mixed relays of the IAAF world cross country.

The relays that will have teams of two men and the same number of women each running a two kilometer lap, were included on the program last year. You see someone who just can't wait for the starter's gun to sound when you seek her opinion on the upcoming event.

"I am excited about Uganda hosting. I am also blessed to be part of this historic event. I look forward to winning a medal for my country," she says.

Her best moment has so far been a gold medal at the World University Games in South Korea in 2014.

She has thereafter also been unbeaten on the African university circuit in both the 800 and 1500m. Ajok's graduation to the national team should have actually come last year.

But just when she seemed on course of shattering the national 800m record at the national championships at Namboole, she tripped and fell five meters to the finishing line.

She therefore missed a chance to make Uganda's team to the Rio Olympics. She picked up the pieces last month racing to victory in a meet to select Uganda's mixed relay.

AJOK FACTFILE

Born: July 12, 1994

Personal bests

800m 2:02.00 1500m 4:15:00

Half marathon 1.15:00

Honours

Gold - World University Games 800m

Silver - World Varsity Cross Country

Gold - Africa University Games 800 and 1500m

Bronze - Africa University 4x400 relay

Gold - East Africa University 800 and 1500 since 2014