By John Barns Ssentamu
Uganda’s Rachael Chelimo finished fifth in the women’s 2,000m steeplechase at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, while cyclist Ali Ssali withdrew from the men’s road race with a cramp in his right thigh.
Chelimo became the first Ugandan to compete in track and field at the Dakar Games. Making her debut in the event at Complexe Iba Mar Diop, she clocked a personal best of 6:49.56.
Kenya’s Abigael Kosgei won in 6:30.24, ahead of Ethiopia’s Mekonen Abera in 6:32.15 and Turkey’s Elif Celik in 6:36.99. Chelimo’s coach, Ziana Cheptoyek, says she believes the young athlete has a bright future in the event.
In cycling, Ssali held a strong position in the international field early in the 76.5km road race along Dakar’s Corniche Ouest. The riders faced temperatures of 33°C over nine laps of an 8.5km circuit. Ssali pulled out with five laps remaining after developing a cramp in his right thigh.
Australia’s Caleb McKenzie had opened a lead of more than 30 seconds, but Belgium’s Daan Wilmsen overtook him on the final lap to win in 1:47:04.
Ssali remains hopeful about Tuesday’s time trial and is focusing on his recovery.
