Former World champion Dorcus Inzikuru to miss Olympic - Won't be fit
Wednesday June 11, 2008

By Gary Smith
Gary Smith is a freelance journalist in Florida. If you're interested in stories - Contact Gary Smith

Ugandan Dorcus Inzikuru, the 3000 m steeplechase World champion from Helsinki in 2005, is struggling to get back into rhythm and will miss the Beijing Olympic Games this summer.

The 26-year-old who gave birth last December was hoping to run back in shape to be part of Uganda's team to the Olympics, but after competing for the first time in over a year, her camp came to the conclusion that she will not be ready.

"It's impossible for her to be fit for Beijing," her manager Dr. Flavio Pasqualato was quoted as saying. "But it's nice she is back on track. She likes competing and I believe this is a good start.

Hoping to meeting or get close to the Olympic standard time, Inzikuru failed to impress in a 5000m race at the Pan Africa Grand Prix at Namboole on Saturday, as she finished well behind Dorcus Chesang, who lapped her twice in the race.

However, despite the slow showing Inzikuru, who was cheered on by an exciting gathering of around 2000, said she felt ok with her outing, seeing that she only raced for the practice session.

"This is part of my training," she said. "I didn't come to compete but to try and gain endurance. This is my first competitive race. I was gauging my speed. I could not step up because it can result into an injury.

"I am working hard on gaining the right shape. I certainly won't able to compete in the Olympics but will be back to my best," Inzikuru added.

Gary Smith is a freelance journalist in Florida. If you're interested in stories - Contact Gary Smith