Uganda’s athletics team for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be spearheaded by none other than Victor Kiplangat, the reigning world marathon champion.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has revealed its elite marathon team for the Olympics, carefully selected by President Dominic Otuchet and the UAF committee.
These athletes will represents Uganda’s best hopes for success on the international stage this summer.
Joining Kiplangat in the men’s marathon lineup are seasoned athletes Stephen Kissa, the national marathon record holder, and Andrew Kwemoi.
Their inclusion underscores Uganda’s commitment to fielding a competitive team capable of challenging for Olympic honors.
Kiplangat, who captured the gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, stands as a beacon of excellence and determination within the Ugandan contingent.
Reflecting on his selection, the 24-year-old champion expressed his dedication, stating, “I continue to work hard because there is still some time left before the Olympics.”
His recent performance at the Tokyo Marathon, where he finished 15th, serves as motivation to strive for greatness in Paris.
On the women’s side, the team is headlined by Stella Chesang, a standout athlete known for her 2019 Commonwealth Games 10,000-meter gold medal.
Chesang is joined by Mercyline Chelangat, a Commonwealth bronze medalist, and Rebecca Cheptegei, a rising star who claimed the 2023 regional cross-country championship.
Their collective enthusiasm and ambition promise to add depth and excitement to Uganda’s Olympic campaign.
President Otuchet expressed confidence in the selected athletes, highlighting their impressive seasonal performances and ongoing preparations.
“The six marathon runners representing Uganda are all seasoned athletes capable of winning medals at the Olympics,” Otuchet affirmed, setting high expectations for the team’s performance in Paris.
Otuchet also emphasized the importance of early team announcements for marathon runners, given the extended training and recovery periods required for this grueling discipline.
The decision to unveil the marathon team ahead of other track and field events reflects UAF’s commitment to providing ample time for optimal preparation and readiness.
Grateful for the opportunity, Kiplangat praised UAF for their support and foresight.
“I commend UAF for allowing us ample time to prepare for victory as a team,” he remarked, acknowledging the significance of early planning and training in pursuit of Olympic glory.
Chesang, the national record holder in both full and half marathons, expressed her excitement at being part of the Olympic squad.
“I am happy to be in the team,” she shared, highlighting the Paris Olympics as a crucial milestone in her career and an opportunity to gain invaluable marathon experience on a global stage.
As the countdown to Paris intensifies, the selected athletes are currently engaged in meticulous preparations.
Some are participating in build-up races across Europe, while others are undergoing specialized training in Kapchorwa under the guidance of national coach Njia Benjamin, who also serves as the Vice President of Technical at UAF.
With Uganda’s marathon team poised for action at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expectations are high for Kiplangat, Chesang, and their fellow athletes to deliver exceptional performances and potentially secure podium finishes.
The nation eagerly anticipates their exploits on the iconic streets of Paris as they compete for Olympic glory and inspire a new generation of Ugandan athletes.
