David GOMBE
For the first in history, Uganda will be represented by more than one female in the Women’s Olympic Marathon final.
Juliet Chekwel and Immaculate Chemutai line up for the 42km road in Sapporo on Saturday at 1am.
At the 2012 London games, Uganda was represented by Jane Suuto who finished 93rd and five years ago in Rio Adero Nyakisi was 68th in the 42km race.
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Chekwel who progressed to the quadrennial games after posting a new national record of 2:23:13 during her win at the 2020 Zurich Marathon held in Seville, Spain.
At the Rio games she competed in the 5000m and 10000m events.
Chekwel is more perfect at the 21km distance and she has won six out of nine half marathons since 2017 also excelling at the 2018 Commonwealth Half marathon with a victors title in Cardiff, Wales.
Her compatriot, Chemutai with a personal best of 2:29:09 will be making her debut for Uganda at the global games.
Chemutai is more experienced at the Marathon races having won 14 out of 34 races.
Kenya’s sensational trio of World Champion Ruth Chepngetich, World record holder Brigid Kosgei and half marathon world champion Peres Jepchirchir are the favourites for the 42km race.
The Ugandan duo will be motivated and charged with Peruth Chemutai’s 3000m Steeplechase heroics heading into the race of their lives.
