Shida Leni, Jacent Nyamahuge, Tarsis Orogot, Okot Benson and Pius Adome have been announced as part of a top 25 field for the 200m and 400m 8th National Track and Field Trials in Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday 22 May, 2021.
The top class sprinters clash is set to see National Record holder Shida Leni, take on in-form Jacent Nyamahuge for the third time in a row this season and both will be lining up against stiff opposition from Nasiba Nabirye, Emilly Nanziri and Maureen Banura in the 400m.
At the 100m/200m men’s front, Tarsis Orogot, Okot Benson, Adome Pius and Obuto Solomon will resume their rivalry when they line up against a strong field of Kenyan sprinters – Odhiambo Mark Otieno, Asamba Dan, Peter Mwai and Njoroge Mark.
These races are set provide exciting competition and impressive performances.
Ronald Musagala and Abu Mayanja are ready for the 1500m showdown against a very strong Kenyan presence in Etiang Kamar who finished second at the 7th Trials alongside Biwott Hillary, Kibui Peter and Kwemoi Ronald.
But this time round, the absence in the race of 10,000m World Champion, Joshua Cheptegei will be felt for he provided the much needed superb hot pace that Musagala exploited to post decent performance in the previous trials.
The 8th trials is sure to provide a sizzling continuation of the 2021 National Trials series, after UAF Technical decision for all the seven regions to organize their respective Championships on same day to pave way for more trials targeting Tokyo Olympics and U20 World Championships.
The weekend trials is also expected to throw up some surprises, as well as some particularly inspired performances especially in 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 10,000m to brush away Africa Senior Championships disappointment.
The Ugandan athletes have however not lost out completely from the continental disappointment as they will be able now to refocus their energy on the Tokyo Olympics qualification and post good performances through the national trials that will lead them to earning equally important world ranking points for future international competitions.
Given the continuing Covid-19 pandemic situation, worldwide, UAF in partnership with athletes managers however continue to monitor international competitions with a view to ensuring athletes have good competition options towards Tokyo Olympic Games, U20 World Championships and build up to next year’s World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
