As the Paris 2024 Olympics loom just 12 days away, the Uganda Olympic Committee’s medical and anti-doping commission has visited the national athletics camp in Kapchorwa to ensure the team is in peak condition.
The national team, stationed at Trinity Biblical Institute, is finalizing preparations and training at the national high altitude training centre in Teryet.
On a visit to Teryet, a team led by Olympian Jacob Kiplimo was observed training in pristine conditions.
Kiplimo, under the supervision of his private coaches, expressed his readiness for the upcoming games and praised the training centre’s facilities. Joining him were female athletes Joy Cheptoyek and Belinda Chemutai, guided by coach Peter Chelangat.
Approximately 35 kilometres away, at Chemwania primary school in Kween district, Joshua Cheptegei and other athletes were seen honing their skills.
National team head coach Benjamin Njia explained the rationale behind alternating training locations between Teryet and Chemwania to optimize performance.
The Chemwania facility also hosts steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai, with both Chemutai and Cheptegei training under the watchful eye of their private coach, Addy Ruiter.
Fans have been actively following these training sessions, hopeful for podium finishes from their local heroes.
Following rigorous training, the athletes participated in medical assessments and received anti-doping education from the Uganda Olympic Committee team, ensuring compliance and readiness for the international stage. Among those present was Commonwealth and world marathon champion Victor Kiplangat.
Uganda’s contingent for the Paris Olympics consists of 25 athletes, including 21 runners, a cyclist (Charles Kagimu), a rower (Kathleen Noble), and two swimmers (Jesse Sengonzi and Gloria Muzito).
The games will officially commence on July 26, 2024, with rower Kathleen Noble set to be the first Ugandan athlete in action. The team aims to build on their previous success, having won four medals, including two golds, in the last Olympics.