Uganda Returns Empty-Handed From World Cross Country Meet

By Michael Mugote

Uganda only managed 12^th position out of 65 countries that competed in the 40^th IAAF World Cross Country Championships held in Bydgoszcz, Poland over the weekend. The event that was held in freezing Polish weather condition that went as low as 6 degrees saw a total number of 432 athletes vying in four different categories.

Out of the total number of 18 athleted,but the pearl of Africa representatives were more of tourists. Kenya dominated the event with 5gold medals, 3silvers and a brose, Ethiopia were in second positioned with 3golds, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals whereas United States came 3^rd with one silver. Bahrain, Eritrea, Great Britain and Morocco were the only other countries that claimed for at least a bronze medal.

Kenya’s Japhet Kipyegon Korir, recorded 32:45 timing in the men seniors’ category where he defeated defending champion, Imane Merga. Uganda’s representative in this category, Moses Kipsiro, finished 5^th recording 33:08 time.

Uganda was 10^th, and 5^th in the women and men’s overall table rating of the event whose out 65 competing countries saw only 7 with medals.

Rank Nation Gold Silver Bronze Total

1 Kenya 5 3 1 9

2 Ethiopia 3 4 3 10

3 United States 0 1 0 1

4 Bahrain 0 0 1 1

5 Eritrea 0 0 1 1

6 Great Britain 0 0 1 1

7 Morocco 0 0 1 1