Teenage prodigy Lomutho shines at Namboole
Mar 03, 2019
At 15, most sprinters are just getting to grips with basics. Lomutho is to the contrary, already breaking records.
When a 15-year-old beats much more seasoned runners in the 100 meters, you have to take note.
You pay even more attention when he wins the sprint in 10.8 seconds.
That's Rajab Lomutho, Uganda's new sprint sensation.
The senior two student at Lord Leads Secondary and Vocational School in Jinja has Ali Waisswa's 10.46 national record within touching distance.
At 15, most sprinters are just getting to grips with basics. Lomutho is to the contrary, already breaking records.
Running in just his second season on the local circuit, the teenager was the center of attraction at UAF's first trial at Namboole on Saturday.
He shot from the blocks cruising to the day's third fastest time then his American manager Brian Rhoden stated that his protégé was headed for even bigger things.
"He will break the national record before he turns 18 and thereafter become the first Ugandan to run under 10 seconds," Rhoden said.
Police Athletics Club's Emmanuel Nuwagaba and Ddejje's Richard Olinga, who both clocked 10.6 in another heat were the only faster runners.
But it was it was Lomutho who is almost ten years younger than Nuwagaba and Olinga who stole the show.
Lomutho was upbeat after the race. "I felt good throughout the race. I believe I can do even much better times when faced with better opposition."
Rhoden who handles Lomutho with coach Ivan Wesonga, stressed that their athlete's form is not by accident.
"He is a natural sprinter who has also got a very good work ethic."
Notably missing at Namboole were national record holders Isabirye, Shida Leni (400m) and Lucy Aber (javelin).
Also absent was the long distance cream that is camped in Kapchorwa for the March 30 World Cross Country.
The next UAF trial will be on March 16 at Namboole.