The Monitor (Kampala)
Sande Bashaija
7 July 2009
Kampala — Abraham Chepkirwok is back on the track. The Ugandan middle distance runner recorded a third-place finish at the Meeting de Atletismo in Madrid over the weekend.
Chepkirwok, who has been struggling to overcome injury problems, crossed the finish line in 1:14.14 minutes. Kenyan Jackson Mumbwa took top position in 1:44.86, well ahead of the chasing pack that saw second-placed Arturo Casada of Spain post 1:45.52.
Chepkirwok's performance in the second heat of the two-lap race, although somewhat below his personal best and national record of 1:43.72, is a boost as he prepares for the World Athletics Championships due next month in Berlin, Germany. A consistent performer last year, the 20-year-old runner has made a slow start this season due to recurrent cramps. The Madrid race was his second appearance this year.
"I think he will be in the right shape for Berlin," said Chepkirwok's local manager Godfrey Nuwagaba yesterday. After winning silver at the 2006 World Junior Championships, Chepkirwok was tipped to shine at last year's Olympic Games but he failed to reach the finals. "It's good for Abraham to be running like this at the moment."
Results
J. Mumbwa (KEN) 1:44.86
A. Casado (ESP) 1:45.52
A. Chepkirwok (UGA) 1:46.14
E. Barrios (ESP) 1:46.30
P. Mumba (ZAM) 1:46.60
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