The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has announced a robust team of 20 athletes who will represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Scheduled from July 26 to August 11, the event will feature over 10,000 elite athletes from around the globe, competing for glory in various sports disciplines.
Leading the Ugandan squad is the renowned long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei, who has already made his mark on the world stage with a gold and silver medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Cheptegei will compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m events, aiming to add more accolades to his illustrious career.
Accompanying him is Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world record holder, who also aims to better his bronze medal achievement from Tokyo in the same events. Kiplimo, determined and focused, expressed his ambitions, “After getting a bronze medal at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo, my target is now to improve and win a gold medal. I know it will call for a lot of hard work to be able to achieve this and I am already working hard.”
Peruth Chemutai, another star in the Ugandan contingent, will be a key medal hopeful. She clinched gold in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at Tokyo 2020, and her sights are set on defending her title in Paris.
UAF President Dominic Otuchet emphasized the strength and experience of the team. “We have athletes who have been proven and tested at the big stage,” Otuchet stated. This experienced lineup is expected to build on Uganda’s past successes and strive for new heights in Paris.
The selection reflects a blend of seasoned athletes and promising new talents, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective fields. The team has been training rigorously, with a focus on achieving peak performance at the Games.
As the athletes prepare to compete on the world’s most prestigious sporting stage, the entire nation stands behind them, hopeful for a haul of medals that will bring pride and honor to Uganda. The dedication and hard work of these athletes, underpinned by the support of UAF and the Ugandan public, set the stage for a potentially historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Uganda’s contingent to the Paris Olympics represents more than just athletic prowess; it embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. As the world watches, these athletes will carry the hopes of their nation, aiming to leave an indelible mark on the grand stage of the Olympic Games.
