Kenyan sprinter Wasike shines at FEASSA games in Uganda

Riooga SDA Secondary School sprinter Daniel Wasike stole the show as the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association track and field started on Friday at Amus College in Bukedea District, Uganda.

Wasike stormed to victory in the men’s 100m, won silver in 200m and anchored Team Kenya to gold medals in the 4x100m relay and the medley.

Wasike clinched the 100m title in 10.5 ahead of compatriot Daniel Okoth (10.7) while Joshua Wambare settled for the bronze medal in 10.8.

“I am proud of my performance today. I had a small injury on my back but after the warm-up, I felt okay. I’m happy I won the gold medals and silver after the disappointment of missing the World U20 Championships,” said the Form Four student.

Wasike was beaten by Uganda’s Phillip Ocholla in 200m. Ocholla won gold in 21.7 while Wasike finished in 21.8 ahead of compatriot Dennis Mwali ( 22.1).

Umutesiwase Magnifique of Rwanda won the women’s 100m title in 12.3, followed by Monica Akullu of Uganda (12.5) as Kenya’s Lydia Baraza bagged the bronze medal (12.6).

Magnifique added the 200m title in 24.2 ahead of Uganda’s Mary Awat (25.5) and Kenya’s Beatrice Machoka (25.9).

Alex Mututwa of Kenya led countryman Kevin Kipkogei in a 1-2 finish in the men’s 400m. Mututwa clocked 47.9 while Kipkogei finished in 48.4.

In the women’s category, Melvin Akwenyi of Uganda emerged victorious in 56.2 beating Kenya’s Faith Onserio of Riooga to second place. Onserio clocked 56.8.

Cornelius Kipkosgey bagged the men’s 5,000m gold medal in 14:20.3 to beat Ugandan favourite Dolphine Chelimo (14:22.6) as another Kenyan, Festus Kimurwo took the bronze medal in 14:40.5.

Kenya had another 1-2 finish in the 400m hurdles through Cornelius Kipchirchir (55.5) and Meshack Muima (57.7). Ronald Okello (58.2) of Uganda was third spot.

Kenya continued their dominance in middle-distance events with Joseph Kilerai winning the men’s 1,500m title in a 4:43.6 gun-to-tape display despite a strong challenge form Tanzanian Joshua Mhekra (4:43.8).

Ivine Jepleting clinched gold in the women’s category after clocking 4:48.9 to beat compatriot Gloria Jebogogo to second place in 4:52.2.

Sandra Chepchumba reigned supreme in the 3, 000m race after timing 9:49.6 ahead of Uganda’s Karen Chelimo in 9:52.1.