Despite having a small contingent, Uganda’s athletes are poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games according to Dorcus Inzukuru.
Inzukuru, the first Ugandan athlete to win a world championship gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase in Helsinki, Finland, shared her confidence in the team while attending her daughter’s sports day event at Shiloh Education Services.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Inzukuru expressed her belief that Ugandan athletes are likely to win multiple medals in events such as the women’s steeplechase, marathon, 10000m, and 5000m.
Inzukuru’s optimism is rooted in her trust in the selected team. She emphasized that medals are won by those who are committed and serious, qualities she sees in the current team.
“I trust my colleagues. These are our footsteps, and I was the first to pass over and open the door for them. I’m very proud of them,” she said.
In addition to her confidence in the team, Inzukuru praised the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) for promoting sports talent and the Ugandan government for its support.
However, she urged the government to increase the sports budget in the next financial year to better support the 53 sports disciplines in Uganda.
Inzukuru also highlighted her role in nurturing future talent through her athletics and football academies.
She expressed pride in her daughters, one excelling in netball and music, dance, and drama, and the younger one, a promising runner and swimmer. She believes they represent the future of Ugandan athletics.
However, Inzukuru acknowledged the challenges Ugandan athletes face, including financial difficulties and limited coaching support. She attributed her success to training both in Uganda and abroad and receiving strong support from her coach.
“The difference between me winning a gold medal and other athletes is because I trained both in Uganda and outside. My technique of running is quite different, thanks to professional training,” she added.
The Olympic Games will take place in Paris, with 22 Ugandan athletes set to compete.
