2019 Abu Dhabi Games: Contrasting fortunes for Team Uganda

Day Four of Abu-Dhabi 2019 Games fell with contrasting fortunes for the Ugandan contingent.

The young athletes met their fortune with prize advise from American sprinter Allyson Felix, the most decorated woman Track and field star in US Olympic history, whose visit at Police Olympic track and field was a tribute to the awe inspired athletes who shared the feel of greatness.

Allison’s zeal and personae, perhaps massaged what was earlier a heartbreak from colleague Hassan Zilakulabe -

‘The happy soul in the room’ fellow athletes love to refer  blew his chances of another medal for Uganda finishing at bottom of the queue after a 2nd false start.

Placed in lane two, a nervous Zilakulabe, perhaps beaten by the occasion, walked onto the track  distant from his usual composed self, which forced loud cautions from his colleagues in the stands ; ‘Hassan calm down”  the advice fell on deaf ears, a false start earned him a caution. His nerves yet to let free, he was foul on second attempt and paid heavily. He was resigned to the bottom of the pack  on a time of  00:00:05:45 despite crossing tape in second.

Nigerias Ayokunle Akintomiwa Akinjayevu run to gold on 00:00.04.94

Marcelino Josefa from Bonaire clocked 00:00.05.89 to come in 2nd

At ADNEC sports complex in Abu Dhabi the unified volleyball team’s cinderela story is yet to be interrupted. Two victories on the bounce against hosts United Arab  Emirates(UAE), 2-1 and Serbia, 2-0 have put them in clear sight of a medal.

Back at team hotel Mafraq  it is possible they will find a subdued unified girls teams that lost their second match in the games. A 4-1 drubbing by Bosnia followed a 2-1 loss to Finland on Friday.

There is some pride to regain on the third time of asking in a Monday afternoon fixture to Bharat(India)

Monday : Swimming 25m breaststroke, Hamdan Sports Centre

Elizabeth Nicole (2:06am)

Gorret Nicole (2:12am)

Brian Elimu( 2:18am)

Larry Feni ( 2:24am)

Athletics: Women 100m final

Jacent Nyamahunge (UG) defends her 100m gold

Reader's Comments

LATEST STORIES