Ugandan sprinter Tarsis Orogot has missed out on a place in the Men’s 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics after finishing 6th in Heat One of the semifinals with a time of 20.64 seconds.
The result saw Orogot finish 17th overall in the race where the top 8 advanced to the final, ending the 21-year old’s Olympic dream at the ongoing Games.
Orogot’s semifinal heat was highly competitive, with US sprinter Kenny Bednarek winning in 20.00 seconds, followed by Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando Bautista in 20.09 seconds.
Canada’s De Grasse finished third with 20.41 seconds, and South Africa’s Maswanganyi came fourth in 20.42 seconds.
This outcome is particularly disappointing for Orogot, who had clocked faster times in all his other 11 races this year.
His journey to the semifinals saw him win Heat 2 of the men’s 200m on Monday, showcasing his potential and determination.
Orogot’s bowing out of this year’s Olympics is a significant blow not only for him but also for the many fans he has garnered throughout the competition.
His unique style, having donned SpongeBob socks in the Olympics races, and social media presence on X, where he often posts the phrase “Just a boy with a dream,” turned him into a fan favorite.
Despite the setback, the sprinter’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication and impressive performances.
Orogot first gained international attention at the U20 World Championships in Nairobi in 2021, finishing fourth in the 200m and setting a Ugandan national record of 20.37 seconds in the semifinals.
He also reached the 100m semifinals with a time of 10.37 seconds.
Earlier this year, he set a personal best and Ugandan record of 19.75 seconds in the 200m at the SEC Championship in Gainesville, Florida.
On Monday, he won Heat 1 of Round 1 of the Men’s 200m, posting an impressive time of 20.32 seconds.
