Uganda’s flag soared high above the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday as Shida Leni and Adoli Haron delivered unforgettable performances at the prestigious Kip Keino Classic.
The two athletes, competing in the 400m events, did more than just represent their country, they rewrote records and made bold statements on the international athletics stage.
Shida Leni, already a household name in Ugandan athletics, reaffirmed her dominance in the women’s 400m.
With the eyes of the continent upon her, Leni powered through the final stretch to clock 50.93 seconds, shaving more than three-tenths of a second off her previous national record of 51.25.
It was not just a personal triumph, it was a defining moment for Ugandan sprinting.
“I knew I had it in me,” Leni said moments after her victory, draped in the Ugandan flag.
“This is for every young girl back home who dreams of running fast. We are just getting started.”
On the men’s side, it was Adoli Haron’s turn to make history. The 22-year-old surged ahead of a seasoned field in the men’s 400m, stopping the clock at 45.21 seconds, his fastest time ever and a significant breakthrough in his blossoming career.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) was quick to celebrate. In a jubilant post on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, they wrote:
“Huge congratulations to Adoli Haron for smashing his personal best with a stunning 45.21s at the Kip Keino Classic. Keep soaring, champ!”
Adoli’s performance is being viewed as a major step forward, not just for his own development, but for Uganda’s long-term ambitions on the global track stage.
The Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, drew elite athletes from across Africa and beyond.
For many, it served as both a proving ground and a springboard for Paris 2024. For Uganda, the event was also a reflection of focused investment in track and field talent.
While final results from the distance races were still being confirmed at press time, Uganda’s contingent made their presence felt with grit and determination.
Among the Ugandans in action were;
- Chelangat Sarah and Cherop Charity battled in the Women’s 5000m.
- Cherop Samuel Simba and Cherotich Abraham competed in the Men’s 5000m.
- Rotich Gideon challenged a tough field in the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase.
With the Olympic Games now less than two months away, Leni and Adoli’s performances signal a strong upward trajectory for Team Uganda.
The focus now shifts to refining training and strategy ahead of Paris where both sprinters are expected to be key players in Uganda’s medal push.
“This is just the beginning,” said a UAF official on-site in Nairobi.
“Our athletes are not only showing potential, they’re delivering results and the world is watching.”
