Nakaayi's journey to the top

Halima Nakaayi on Monday night strode to new heights winning Uganda a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Vision Group brings you an interview James Bakama had with Nakaayi shortly after she won bronze at the All Africa Games in Rabat in August. Nakaayi talks about her journey and projections in Doha.

What is it like being an African medalist?
Ohh it feels great. It is a big achievement in my career.  It is my first medal as a senior. I believe this is also a sign that my future is bright.  I only have to remain focused. That is why I am actually leaving Morocco early to prepare for the Doha World Championships.

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Tell us about the final. What exactly was it like?
To be sincere. I expected a better result. Like you realise I had previously run faster. Even my semi-final win was with the fastest time.

The final was very tactical. I was locked into the inner lane and when it came to that final sprint I was disadvantaged. But thank God I still managed to win a medal. I was pushed in and also blocked.

How will you overcome this weakness of always being boxed into the inner lane?
It is a learning process. I can promise you that I will do better next time.

So, should we see you winning a medal at the Doha World Championships next month?
That's my prayer. I will work towards that in the remaining weeks.

Does that mean a medal?
No, I can't promise that.  All I can say, I look forward to a better performance than my semi-final finish at the last edition in London.

But even without a medal in Doha, I must say this has been a successful season I started off with an injury. But thank God I was focused and strong.

Any piece of advice for upcoming athletes?
They should be determined, focused and hardworking.  In udder developed countries like ours, nothing comes easy.

You seem to imply that it has been a rough road.
True. But through persistence and focus, I must say I am today one of the few privileged Ugandan athletes. I have a good management group. I also have a good contract with Nike.

How much is your Nike deal worth?
I can't tell you. That's my secret. All I can tell you is that it is a good deal. I am comfortable.

That sounds good. How are the other Ugandan runners?
It is tough. Upcoming Ugandan athletes especially those unattached to clubs go through hell. They lack kit, proper feeding, and medical attention. There is a need for a government program catering for everyone.

It is only those athletes attached to serious clubs that are okay. I am also lucky to be attached to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. I am paid a sh 450,000 salary.

That is however not the case with the majority. I have seen athletes train on empty stomachs. Many athletes cannot afford a kilo of sugar or even a bottle of water. That's not mentioning training with torn shoes. Can such a person afford medical care? I know very many athletes who would love high altitude training but cannot afford to rent a sh50,000 a month room in Kapchorwa town.

Halimah-Nakaayi

So what should be done?
Athletics needs more sponsors.  We can do much better if more is invested in the athlete. Countries like Botswana, Nigeria, and Senegal are no different than Uganda. They only beat us because they pay more attention. The government should also have more incentives for athletes.

Do you know how much an individual invests to for instance get to the All Africa Games? It is four years of real sweat and hardship. That is why qualification should be well rewarded. There should be even bigger rewards for medals.

Are you aware that many athletes even borrow to get to this stage? The kind of allowances we get for such trips can't pay these debts. That's why many great talents fall off along the way.

But I thought some of you have a monthly pay from State House. A gold medal is supposed to be rewarded with sh5m, silver sh3m, and bronze sh1m.

True the President offered monthly pay for star athletes but even this is irregular. Can you imagine we last got this money in February!

You spend alot of time in Europe. How is it done there?
In Europe, the state and clubs ensure that everyone is given a chance. That's why you see junior races at all Diamond League meets. These are specifically for locals. These children not only come to compete in the right atmosphere but are also exposed to the world's best talents. What better exposure for upcoming talent?

Besides the troubles of the Ugandan athlete, I would like to know who Nakaayi is?

I am a very simple person. I am the same Haliima who was spotted from Najjembe about a decade ago. I am no braggart.

What the say
Paul Okello -National coach
She is a great talent. She not only has speed and stamina but is also disciplined. She is only disadvantaged by height. The 800 meters is today a long sprint that is also very tactical. If you don't get your tactics right you are easily beaten. The day she masters how to run on the outer lane she will achieve even much more.

Aggrey Ogong- Team manager
She is a strong athlete. The only challenge in that final was that she was alone. So the Ethiopians and Kenyans blocked her. Thank God she had sprint power.

She should learn how to run in the outer lane. True it is a little longer but it insulates you against being blocked.

Nalis Bigingo- National coach
She can win a medal even at the world championships. Her performance on the international scene this season has proved just that. All she has to do now is get her tactics right. She should concentrate more on running in the outer lane.