Nakaayi Secures Podium Finish in Doha, Boosted for Commonwealth Games

Halimah Nakaayi expressed significant relief and happiness following her third-place finish in the 800 meters at the Doha Diamond League. Competing in Qatar, Nakaayi recorded a season-best time of 1 minute and 58.41 seconds, a marked improvement after a previous disappointing performance in California.

The 2019 world champion found motivation in the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, a place that holds fond memories. “I have the best memories from Doha, because being here always reminds me of the world title I won back in 2019,” Nakaayi shared. “Whenever I am here I feel as if I need to defend my title, but finishing in the top three is okay too.”

Her performance in Doha is particularly encouraging, given that much of her recent training has focused on endurance. Nakaayi ran strategically, staying behind the early pace setter and gradually moving up. Ultimately, she was edged out for second place by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, while American Addison Wiley took the win.

This podium finish comes at an opportune moment, as Uganda Athletics (UAt) has named Nakaayi as part of the 17-member team set to represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She is one of eight women selected, which also includes Olympic medalist Peruth Chemutai and promising long-distance runner Joy Cheptoyek. The men’s team will be led by Oscar Chelimo.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/doha-podium-finish-lightens-up-nakaayi-5504312