FASTEST WOMAN IN EAST AFRICA JACENT NYAMAHUNGE TO BECOME THE FIRST AFRICAN LADY TO WIN AN OLYMPIC DOUBLE

 UGANDA SPRINT QUEEN JACENT NYAMAHUNGE ON  RUNNING JOURNEY

By Isaac Hanyiga Hiire

Jacent Nyamahunge is a Ugandan sprinter and a finalist at Uganda Christian University Mukono Offering bachelors of Arts with education. Her major races are the 100m and the 200m. Jacent who has been running from primary school became elite in 2019. She recently ran at the Kenya national trials and dominated in both the 200m and 100m finals with 11.76 and 23.83 respectively with a season’s best in the 200m.

Isaac Hiire Hanyiga (Rays piano journalist) a sports journalist caught up with her and she shared her mind on a number of issues.

What has your experience of running been like as a female sprinter?

I started running in primary though it became serious at university level. A football coach by names Kajabagu Joseph identified me and would bring me to nambole. I would run barefoot but I was performing. He is a great man and is still following me up. It has been good though some time back I didn’t have coaches and would just run and win by chance. Positively it is Uganda that has exposed me to this extent through going for university games. It is at university that I leant that I needed coaches to take me through session and also to follow a consistent program. We however as sprinter struggle because we lack a lot of facilitation.

Who inspired you into running?

At my early age I really didn’t have anyone who inspired but it was through school in primary. I could see people run during athletics competitions in the second term then I would join them and after winning I would be excited to go back and run next year. All I could aim at is winning and slowly by slowly I learnt that I actually was a talented sprinter. I inspired myself because of the way I could easily win.

How do you deal with injuries?

I have not been so much hit by injuries till last year in late February when I got a hamstring. It was serious, we tried many things at UCU but it didn’t work. I hard to rest from March till October without any running. At home I was using a rolling ball. So following doctor’s guidance, using a rolling ball and much rest is the way I deal with it.

How do you manage in terms of the daily costs and expenditure that comes with sprinting?

I have really been struggling though UCU gave us Coach Timothy kabuye and when he left I contacted a kind coach called Nambawa Sarah who trains me without charging me. Finances have been a very big challenge but I thank God for my coach who helps me in training freely. I have worked with Nambawa Sarah who trained me at high school then at campus I was with coach Kabuye but currently I am working Coach Sarah.

What are your goals for 2022?

I want to qualify for the world championships and the common wealth. 

Why did you choose to run 100m and 200m?

It’s because of the speed I have. Whenever I go for any race that is more than 200m I burn out. But at 200m and 100m I am very fast. 

What should a lady sprinter do to improve?

She must have a positive attitude towards running and this translates to training hard. Don’t allow problems to overcome you. Look for ways you solve challenges. You need a coach who is passionate and can keep pushing you to work.

What challenges have you faced as a student?

Allot of challenges. Sometimes you don’t get time to practice especially during internship. Some teachers don’t care whether you have a trip and you’re away. You find that you missed coursework’s and sometimes you even get retakes. 

Do you see yourself bringing gold for Uganda at the global stage?

According to me, according to the way I run , according to what I do, according to how much I have invested in sports and the way am performing right now I believe at one time I can stand as  a world champion. If am well facilitated, and exposed, am sure I can stand at the world championships as a star.

Do you have plans to attempt the 400m?

I think I can run 400m but I love 100m and 200m. I find it better to for to go for something I really love and that is100m and 200m.

How do you deal with anxiety before a race?

It’s true the pressure comes. Most times I pray to Jesus. I keep silent until after the race.

Is training sometimes a burden?

Yes. The burden comes and you don’t feel like doing it, you feel weak but the moment I start my warm up, I always manage to push on.

What was your lowest moment of running? 

My lowest moment of running was this year when I got a red card. It was the first in my life. I wanted to run better time but it failed. Listening to people taught me and I’ve not got another card. At Kenya Olympic trials most people thought I would get it but didn’t because I have worked past it.

How would you wish to be helped by the Uganda federation of athletics?

I request for financial support. Most times I don’t make it to nambole for training due to lack of transport. I appreciate the support from the federation but I would advocate for more. Ugandan sprinters are talented. These Ugandan ladies we see running 12 can make it. Most of Kenyan sprinters in 200m are in 25 seconds. We have many Ugandans here who are running good 24. All they need is exposure. By the end of that exposure and hard training, these times can improve to better times. Am not happy when I see myself as the only lady going out as a sprinter. 

How do monthly periods affect women’s performance?

Periods affect ladies in different ways. Some periods come with abdominal pain, others come with weakness which reduces your ability. Bleeding can’t allow you to run to your perfect expectation.

What are your final words?

We can make it let’s keep praying for each other and working towards our goals.

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