Mukasakindi intensifies preps ahead of Rio Games

Rwandan long distance runner, Claudette Mukasakindi, has said that her preparations for this year’s Olympic Games are on track, after winning the ‘Unit and Reconciliation race’ held in Nyamata, Bugesera district last weekend. Mukasakindi won the 15km women’s category after clocking 54 minutes, 8 seconds and 82 microseconds, ahead of Celine Iranzi, who finished in second position in a time of 1hour 36 minutes and 54 Seconds. Following her win, the 34-year-old said, “Winning this race is good for me because it shows that I am in good shape. Training has been going pretty well, I have to maintain my shape by competing in such events.” “I look forward to improve my personal best time in Rio, compared with the results of the 2012 Summer Olympic in London. This race, though not a full marathon, can only motivate me to work harder ahead of the forthcoming Olympics,” Mukasakindi added. The Rwandan Olympian has spent several weeks training in the Kenyan town of Iten as part of her preparations for Rio games, which are scheduled for August 5-21. Mukasakindi made her Olympics debut at the London Games four years ago and also competed in the 2015 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Meanwhile, Félicien Muhitira produced an impressive display to win in the men’s category in the Nyamata race, clocking 47 minutes, 59 seconds and 14 microseconds. He finished ahead of Alex Nizeyimana and Protais Ntawuyirushintege, who finished second and third respectively. The men’s 8km race was won by upcoming youngster James Sugira ahead of 19-year-old Jean Vianney Myasiro, who is preparing to compete in the forthcoming IAAF World U20 Championship later this month in Poland. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Mukasakindi intensifies preps ahead of Rio Games