Emong returns to London with golden ambitions
Uganda’s 2016 Paralympic silver medallist David Emong during the national trials at Namboole. PHOTO BY ABDUL-NASSER SSEMUGABI
KAMPALA. Uganda’s 2016 Paralympic silver medallist David Emong hits the track at the Olympic Stadium in London tomorrow (July 15) with a target of winning gold at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships.
Two facts evoke memories and make Emong even stronger. He will be alone in London after his would-be teammates Christine Akullo, Sam Mubajje and Al-Bashir Bwaga were dropped for lack of facilitation. But the 1500m T46 runner is familiar to such loneliness. Even last year he was alone when he won silver in Rio de Janeiro.
The other is his performance in London. At the 2012 Paralympics, any medal would be enough. However, he finished fourth, just outside the medal bracket behind Algeria's Samir Nouioua.
The Algerian, again beat Emong to gold at the Rio 2016 Games but Emong was happy for the silver, Uganda's first ever Paralympics medal.
Now, returning to London, Emong's unfinished business is winning the first gold. "I will never rest until I win gold,'' he said before set off for his trip.
"That's my goal and by God's grace I believe I can make it.''
Emong speaks fondly of his nation and the Prisons, the athletics club he has been training with in Kapchorwa.
"I want the best performer for my country and for my club. Prisons have been good to me and I expect more from them,'' he added.
