IAAF World U18: Disappointment for Leyang, Goni

Jul 12, 2017

Coach blames immaturity and excitement on the part of the runners.

(Credit: Jacky Achan)

IAAF WORLD U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS


NAIROBI - It will be a forgettable first ever major international experience for Eric Leyang and Manuel Goni after the two Ugandan athletes were disqualified in the 400m race at the IAAF World U18 Championships in Nairobi Kenya.

Both athletes managed to finish 6th (48:11 seconds) and 7th (49:44 seconds) in their respective heats.

But they later got disqualified for lane infringement, a mistake they had realized during their races.

Uganda's U18 athletics coach Moses Asonya blamed the poor showing in Nairobi on a mix of immaturity and excitement on the part of the runners.

"I briefed the athletes to run in their lanes but being that it was their first major international race plus the element of immaturity, excitement and panic cost them a good showing."

But Leyang and Goni both promised to do better in future competitions.

Equally, Zambia's Kennedy Luchembe who won heat two also got disqualified for a false start.

Meanwhile, Asonya is upbeat that his young charges will return home with a medal. "We came with a good team and we are confident we shall return home with medals."

Uganda's Hosea Kiplagat and Daniel Kiprop did manage to qualify for the 1500m final due on Friday at the Kasarani Stadium.

 

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