Uganda’s Olympic swimmer Jesse Ssuubi Ssengonzi added to his growing reputation after winning bronze in the men’s 100m butterfly at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.
Ssuubi clocked 53.45 seconds in a thrilling final won by Uzbekistan’s Eldorbek Usmonov (52.69) and Kazakhstan’s Adilbek Mussin (52.73).
The Ugandan started strong, turning at 24.72 seconds at the halfway mark, and held his form to claim third place.
“This is exciting and humbling,” said the US-based swimmer.
“I’m proud to win this medal and thankful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone who’s supported me.”
The bronze becomes Uganda’s fourth swimming medal and sixth overall at the Games. Earlier, Anna Gloria Muzito, based in Hungary, won two golds and a silver in her events.
Uganda’s tally also includes a historic bronze in women’s table tennis doubles, won by Jemimah Nakawala and Judith Parvin Nangonzi of Kibuli Secondary School, the country’s first-ever table tennis medal at the Games.
Boxer Alfred Ojok added another bronze in the light heavyweight (80kg) category.
