The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has unveiled its marathon team for the 2024 Paris Olympics scheduled for August in France.
President of UAF Dominic Otuchet has revealed on Monday May 6, that men’s team will comprises of Victor Kiplangat, the reigning 42-kilometer World Champion, Stephen Kissa, the national marathon record holder, and Andrew Kwemoi.
In the women’s category, the team comprises Stella Chesang, the 2019 Commonwealth 10,000-meter Gold medalist, Mercyline Chelangat, the 2019 Commonwealth bronze medalist in the 10,000-meter event, and Rebecca Cheptegei, the 2023 regional cross-country Champion.
Otuchet explained that these athletes were chosen based on their fastest seasonal times, as required by World Athletics and the Olympic Committee. Regarding the naming of the entire team, Otuchet reveals that athletes for Track and Field events are still in pursuit of qualification marks, although some, like Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei, have already secured their entries.
“The track and field window is still open and as it closes, we will be able to unleash the final list for the entire team,” said Otuchet. He assures that the final list for the entire team will be unveiled as the track and field qualification window closes. Emphasizing the importance of early announcements for marathon racing, Otuchet highlights the need for proper prior preparations, considering the longer duration required for training and recovery.
Expressing gratitude for the early update, Victor Kiplangat, the reigning World Marathon Champion, commends UAF for allowing them ample time to prepare for victory as a team. Stella Chesang, the national record holder in both Full and Half Marathon, expresses her excitement at being part of the team and views the Paris Olympics as a great opportunity to gain valuable marathon experience.
“Am happy that, am in the team, and besides being my first time to compete in such a highly formidable race, I will gain more marathon experience,” Chesang states. Njia Benjamin, the National coach and Vice President of Technical, reveals that the announced athletes are currently participating in build-up races in Europe, with others undergoing extensive planned training in Kapchorwa.
Otuchet expressed confidence in the selected athletes, noting their extensive experience and ongoing preparations. He also emphasized that the six marathon runners to represent Uganda are all seasoned athletes capable of winning medals at the Olympic games.
