Sande Bashaija
29 June 2009
Kampala — Talk that Dorcus Inzikuru is on the verge of making a comeback to international competitions is exciting to many in the athletics fraternity.
The Ugandan girl that charmed the world with memorable performances between 2005 and 2006 took part in a local competition early this month. But the last time we watched her in an international competition was at the 2007 World Cross-country Championships in Mombasa.
That was the beginning of her on and off-track debacles. She started collapsing due to sinusitis and pregnancy related problems, gave birth and later fell out with her husband.
Thank God though, the 2005 world and 2006 Commonwealth champion is determined to represent Uganda again.
What is sad however is that Inzikuru may not be able to compete at the World Championships due August in Berlin, Germany. Her heart may be willing but the
legs may not get the Arua gazelle to Berlin unless she starts competing in Europe early next month or gets a wildcard.
During Inzikuru's strained hiatus, Moses Kipsiro took over the mantle, winning a 5000m bronze at the 2007 championships and silver at the World Cross-country held in Jordan in March.
Kipsiro was also fourth in 5000m at the Beijing Olympics. There is growing concern, however, that after scooping medals at two consecutive world championships, Uganda may not put on a tough challenge this time.
Lone hunter
Kipsiro, the lone hunter, left the country a month ago complaining of a nagging injury. "I need to get specialised treatment," he said after winning the ISU-Stanbic fun run in Lubowa on April 24.
Its not clear whether the injury is still bothering Kipsiro. But what is clear is that Kipsiro is the only medal hopeful come August 15-23.
He has not appeared in big track competitions but can call to experience to put up a respectable show. Compatriot Abraham Chepkirwok seems not to have overcome his incessant cramp problems while Boniface Kiprop, a former 10,000mworld junior champion, is yet to recoup his winning form.
With no special talent emerging to take on the world by storm, Uganda has to rely on the usual flag bearers for glory but time is simply unfriendly.
"We still have over four trials," Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) publicity secretary Namayo Mawerere noted late last week, "I believe we shall see more runners get onto the team."
To qualify, athletes always fancy running in stiff competitions with opponents that offer tough opposition.
Time and again, most runners have failed to get the necessary facilitation to compete outside Uganda. Yet it's very unlikely many of them can qualify on home turf.
"Since we have no electronic timer, we shall try to get outside competitions for our sprinters. But I believe our middle and long distance runners can qualify from here," Mawerere stressed.
Benjamin Kiplagat would be another realistic hope at the moment but it's unimaginable for a none-Kenyan to win a medal in 3000m steeplechase at the moment.
Hitherto promising runners like Jimmy Adar, Isaac Kiprop and Simon Ayeko, have stagnated which has had a detrimental effect on competition for national team berths.
Hopefully, athletes competing at the World University Games later this week in Belgrade can make a case for themselves and get on the plane to Germany.
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