Benjamin Kiplagat became the first Ugandan to progress to the next round at the on-going 2012 London Olympics.
Kiplagat, who took an early lead in the 3000m steeplechase race, failed to hold his nerve as the final kick let him down to come sixth at the Stratford Olympic Stadium. But his good time of 8.18.44 which was better than times recorded by other athletes in heat 2 and 3 gave him chance to qualify for the finals.
His counterpart Jacob Araptany failed to qualify after coming seventh in his heat. Kiplagat will have to be at his best in the final against the likes of Mahiedine Mekhissi Benabbad (France), Evan Jager (USA) and Kenya’s Abel Kiprop Akdag who all finished ahead of him in the heat.
Ambrose Tashobya, a member of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) was a happy man and said he hopes Kiplagat can win Uganda a medal. "We are very happy with this and hope the other athletes can also push harder and get to the last stages in their races," added Tashobya.
Araptany joined swimmer Jamila Lunkuse who also failed to qualify for the next stage in the 50m free style earlier in the day. The 15-year old was last in heat 5 as she was cheered on by her parents.
Africa’s badminton star Edwin Ekiring was the first player to exit the Olympics after losing two games, before weightlifter Charles Ssekyaya and swimmer Ganzi Mugula also followed yesterday in the 50m free style race.
The other Uganda athletes yet to take to the field include; Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (5,000m, 10,000m), Janet Achola (1,500m), Jane Suuto (Marathon), Stephen Kiprotich (Marathon), Geoffrey Kusuro (5,000m), Abraham Kiplimo (5,000m), Julius Mutekanga (800m) and Thomas Ayeko (10,000m) and Dorcus Inzikuru (3,000m steeplechase). Annet Negesa withdraw early this week because of injury.
