Nyakato vows to break 800m deaf world championship record

Uganda's Africa Deaf Athletics Championships 800m gold medalist Jennifer Nyakato has promised to break the world record in the 2021 Deaflympics that will be held in Los Angeles or Dubai.

Nyakato who is fresh from winning gold at the first Africa Deaf Athletics Championships held in Nairobi, September 16-21 made the vow at National Council of Sports offices on Tuesday as she presented her medals before NCS Board Member Andrew Sorowen and Assistant General Secretary Technical David Katende.

Uganda's first outing at the 1st Africa Deaf Athletics Championships yielded three medals after Nyakato bagged gold in the 800m race in 2:07.03, two microseconds shy of the world record. She also got silver in the 1500m race while Andrew Odur who travelled with her alongside Coach Faustin Kiwa won a bronze in the Javelin after throwing 43.36 meters.

Speaking through a sign language interpreter Nyakato thanked the Uganda Athletics Federation for giving her the opportunity to compete nationally and internationally which has helped her gain experience.

"I'm very happy to return home and we had a successful mission. I was also expecting gold in the 1500m but was beaten by an Ethiopian. I thank NCS for trusting me with the national flag," Nyakato said.

"I'm happy to return it with the medals I thank the deaf federation for working hard to ensure I went to Kenya. I'm happy for my victory in Kenya, all thanks to the coach who worked hard to ensure I was successful.

"I dedicate my medals to my coach he spent most of his time guiding me and I promise to break the 800m world record in the deaflympics," Nyakato stated.

Sorowen praised the athletes for their achievements and urged them to keep fit for future engagements.

"They did wonders for this country and have done us proud and they were real ambassadors. I would like to thank UAF for sponsoring these athletes from their scarce resources which was a wonderful gesture," Sorowen said before he encouraged schools with physically handicapped but sporting students to bring them to the attention of council for support.