Africa Rowing Championships
At Lake Tunis, Tunisia (Qabis)
Alfred Okello (8:06)
After posting an impressive semi final timing of 8:06, Uganda’s Alfred Okello might become the second Junior athlete, after Mbambu Constance from the East African nation to qualify for the 2014 Junior Olympics to be held in Nanjing, China next September.
“He is now relaxing for the main finals on 9th October at the Lake Tunis Rowing Center”, coach Rodrick Muhumuza spoke to Kawowo Sports after the second semifinal heat that had rowers from Egypt, Libya, Namibia and Algeria.
Okello raced in the highly competitive semi finals of the junior men lightweight single sculls (jm1x) and he now set for the finals in North African Arab City of Tunis, Qabis, in Tunisia.
The final will see the Host nation Tunisia, Uganda, Egypt, Algeria, Zimbabwe and West African giants, Ivory coast tussle out for the slots for the Youth Olympics.
“Lets pray and keep our fingers crossed for Alfred to make it and Uganda will be the real pearl of Africa”, Coach Muhumuza, who moved in with another senior rower, Gerald Ssemambo anticipates.
Okello already brags of a bronze medal from the first race of 500 M (sprints) he competed in at the Tunisian Championships.
About the Junior Olympics:
The Youth Olympics, whose age restriction is 14-18, is an international multi-sport event held every four years.The Chinese City of Nanjing will host the event next year in September 2014.