NANJING, China – Uganda’s rising middle-distance star, Tom Dradriga, has stormed into the men’s 800m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
The 23-year-old clocked an impressive 1:46.98 (1 minute, 46.98 seconds) in the semifinals, finishing second in his heat and securing an automatic spot in the final.
Dradriga’s performance showcased a blend of speed, tactical awareness, and maturity, further cementing his status as one of Uganda’s most promising athletes.
A Rising Star
Dradriga’s journey to the final began with a strong showing in the opening heat, where he won with a time of 1:49.09 on March 21.
His semifinal run, however, was even more impressive, as he navigated a competitive field to finish second and book his place in the final.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) praised Dradriga’s performance, tweeting: “A rising star in middle-distance running, Dradriga is proving he’s a big deal on the track.”
Uganda’s Growing Athletics Legacy
Traditionally known for its dominance in long-distance events, Uganda is now making waves in middle-distance running, thanks to athletes like Dradriga.
His success adds a new dimension to the nation’s athletics scene, which has been dominated by legends like Joshua Cheptegei and Peruth Chemutai.
Halimah Nakaayi’s Season-Best Run
While Dradriga stole the spotlight, Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi also delivered a commendable performance in the women’s 800m.
She clocked a season-best time of 2:04.57 (2 minutes, 4.98 seconds, finishing fifth in her heat. Although she didn’t advance, her run was a positive step forward in her season.
“Great efforts from both of our athletes,” the UAF noted on social media. “Congratulations to Tom for advancing, and well done to Halimah for her season-best time.”
All eyes are now on Dradriga as he prepares for the men’s 800m final, set to take place later this weekend.
A medal win would not only solidify his place among the world’s elite middle-distance runners but also mark a historic moment for Ugandan athletics.
