Ugandan Athletics - Shida Leni Races In Greece

Over the weekend, on the Greek island of Crete, at the Chania National Stadium, Uganda’s star female sprinter, Shida Leni, ran 52.62 sec in the 400 metres, finishing a creditable 2^nd. She was 0.31 sec behind winner, Eleni Artymata of Cyprus.  Shida’s race was part of the Continental Tour Bronze, Venizelia / Chania athletics meeting, and was the 4^th race of her European tour.

MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Shida’s London-based manager, Jeff Freeman said: “I am very pleased with 2^nd place in a good field. This will also have generated ranking bonus points in World Athletics’ World Rankings.”

COACHES’ OBSERVATIONS

Shida has been trained in Uganda for 8 years by the husband and wife coaching team of Kevin and Sue O’Connor. Kevin commented:

“This was an encouraging performance, which equalled the best time Shida has so far achieved in Europe. She needs to improve further to get near the Tokyo Olympics qualifying time of 51.35 sec, which is 0.12 sec faster than her 400 metres National Record of 51.47 sec. But the good news is that her times are getting faster in Europe. She did some fantastic training sessions at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium, and in weight-training at Silver Springs Hotel’s Espace Gym, before she flew to Europe on May 12, so we are confident she can improve on her performances.”

INFORMATION

It is unfortunate that in those 8 years, there is one particular Ugandan newspaper athletics journalist who has never asked us, at any time, for a comment about Shida. In contrast, there are very many Ugandan sports journalists who frequently contact us about her. Any journalists, or media houses, who require further information about today’s race, or Shida’s European programme, should email us on [email protected] We would be very pleased to try assist you.

All good wishes,

KEVIN AND SUE O’CONNOR