Uganda looks to end U18 Worlds on a high

3000m final (Sunday 4:25pm)

2000m steeplechase final (Sunday 5:10pm)

 

Team Uganda is desperately trying to end  the IAAF U18 World Championships with some form of representation on the medal table. 

 

With the curtain falling on Sunday for good on the youth competition first held in Poland in 1999, the urge to win a medal is perhaps more urgent than before. 

 

More than 75 percent of Uganda's team of 12, who went to Nairobi as contenders, have been eliminated. Titus Kwemoi, Oscar Chelimo (3000m) and Joel Kiplangat (2000m SC) are the last Ugandans standing in the championship. The trio is scheduled for a final appearance on Sunday.

 

Coach Alex Malinga stuck out his neck on Friday evening to declare that Uganda will not return home empty-handed. 

 

"I have a lot of confidence in Kwemoi. He is also confident of what he can do, don't be surprised if he wins us a medal," vowed Malinga. 

 

 

No less than 1400 athletes coming from 130 countries are in Nairobi with the exception of the United States - one of the high profile withdrawals. 

 

Citing security concerns the defending champions, with an impressive track record of six wins in nine editions, did not turn up in Nairobi! 

 

Nevertheless the Local Organising Committee in Kenya will pat themselves on the back for a job well done. With impressive motorways leading to the Moi International Sports Complex at Kasarani, there was never going to be a problem of accessing the competition venue. 

 

Meticulous work was done on the stadium giving it a breathtaking ambiance inside. Kenyan spectators are also well documented for the love of athletics; no wonder defeaning cheers from the stands that followed every track and field event.