KAMPALA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Peruth Chemutai, defending Olympic champion of women's 3,000m steeplechase has set her eyes on a second gold medal of the event in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The star runner, who won Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games, told Xinhua that she is more than determined to shine again in Paris, although she underwent a tough period last year.
Uganda will be represented by a total of 25 athletes at the Paris Olympics.
Knowing well the challenges of topping the podium, Chemutai said that she is happy to qualify for the Games because not everyone makes it to the Olympics.
"It is an honor to qualify for the Games and to be part of Team Uganda. As an athlete, I know it will not be easy in Paris because everyone wants to win a medal," she said.
"I have been working hard for years now with the focus on the Paris Olympics, and I am determined to go all the way and win yet another medal," added Chemutai. "I know what to expect in Paris, but I am well prepared and motivated for it."
Other Ugandan star athletes to watch in Paris include world champions Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo, who will both compete in the men's 5,000m and 10,000m races.
Dominic Otucet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) told Xinhua that he is confident Uganda will bag some medals in the track and field events in Paris.
"Our 21 athletes have trained really hard and many of them have now gained experience and know what to do at world events," said Otuchet.
