Who are Ugandan athletes in action on day one’

Stella Chesang will make her fourth attempt at winning a medal at the World Championships | Photo Credit: NN Running

2023 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Who are Ugandan athletes in action on day one’

Shafic Kiyaga 23:34 - 18.08.2023

Among these athletes, Leonard Chemutai, known for his brilliant track record and recent gold win, will be racing in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

The global stage is set, and Saturday, will be a big day for Uganda as the championships get underway in Budapest, Hungary.

Our very own Ugandan athletes, who have been preparing intensely for this moment, will be showcasing their talent and skill.

Among these athletes, Leonard Chemutai, known for his brilliant track record and recent gold win, will be racing in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

On the women's side, we have the national record holder for the 1500m, Winnie Nanyondo, gearing up for her race.

Their past performances and achievements have brought them to this grand platform, Let's find out more about our Ugandan stars and their races on the first day.

Morning Excitement with Men's 3000m SC

Leonard Chemutai will be the first Ugandan athlete to step onto the world stage in the men's 3000m steeplechase, Heat 2.

Leonard Chemutai celebrates his victory at the 2023 Trail World Championships | Photo Credit: Courtesy

The runner, who just missed a podium finish at the 2022 World Junior Championships, has been on a remarkable trajectory this year.

Coming off a back-to-back gold win at the Trail World Championships for the second year running, Chemutai's has every right to be confident in his ability to go all the way, but first he will need to navigate the semifinals.

With elite athletes like Lamecha Girma in the mix, Chemutai's recent accolades, including a third-place finish at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Hungary, signal he's prepared for the challenge.

Nanyondo's Quest in the Women's 1500m

The spotlight in the women's 1500m shines on Winnie Nanyondo, Uganda's current national record holder with an impressive time of 4:03.54, athough there will be bigger fish like World record holder Faith Kipyegon.

Eager to move past her missed medal opportunity at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Nanyondo is a study in perseverance and grit.

Winnie Nanyondo cuts a frustrated figure after missing out on the podium positions at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon | photo Credit: Courtesy

Nanyondo’s only major championships medal was Gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

After a controversial incident with Italian Gaia Sabbatini in the semis in Eugene, Oregon last year, Nanyondo is determined to prove her mettle this year.

Evening Action with Men's 1500m and Women's 10000m

As the evening dawns, Abu Mayanja, a celebrated four-time national champion, will sprint into action in the men's 1500m, Heat 3.

His stellar year, marked by victories in France, Poland, and Luxembourg, positions him as a formidable contender.

The crescendo of the evening will undoubtedly be the women's 10000m final, spotlighting two of Uganda's finest: Stella Chesang and Sarah Chelangat.

Sarah Chelangat | Photo Credit: Courtesy

Chesang, both a mother and an indomitable athlete, shattered the national marathon record with a 2:20:2 finish at the Hamburg Marathon in April.

This championship will be her fourth attempt at the world championships underscoring her relentless spirit.

Sarah Chelangat, meanwhile, emerges from a challenging year of recovery from injuries.

Holding the national record of 15:00.61 in the women's 5000m, she's back to reclaim her spot amongst the elite.