Middle-distance runner, Halimah Nakaayi, produced a strong performance to finish third in the women’s 800 metres race at the Doha Diamond League on Friday night. She clocked a season-best time of 1:58.41. She was tounced by an American athlete, Addison Wiley, in 1:57.98, while Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma finished second with 1:58.08. Nakaayi completed the podium places with her season-best mark of 1:58.41.
The result represents a significant improvement for the former world champion, who entered the meeting seeking to lower her season mark and continue preparations for major international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games. Speaking after the race, Nakaayi expressed satisfaction with her performance and the progress she is making this season. “I am pleased with the season-best time and the podium finish.
Competing against some of the best athletes in the world helps me gauge my preparation, and I believe this result shows that I am moving in the right direction ahead of the major championships,” Nakaayi said. The Doha meeting holds special memories for Nakaayi, who won the world 800-metre title in the Qatari capital in 2019. Her latest performance will boost confidence as she continues her build-up toward upcoming international assignments.
Meanwhile, Uganda Athletics Federation General Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru hailed Nakaayi’s achievement, describing it as an encouraging sign for Ugandan athletics. Ayikoru noted that consistently competing and finishing among the top athletes in Diamond League races demonstrates Nakaayi’s resilience and determination to remain competitive on the world stage.
“Finishing third in a Diamond League race and posting a season-best performance is a positive result. It shows that Halimah is steadily building form, and we are confident she will continue improving as the season progresses,” Ayikoru said. Nakaayi’s podium finish adds to Uganda’s growing presence in international athletics and underlines the country’s strength in middle- and long-distance running. Athletics officials hope the performance will inspire other Ugandan athletes ahead of forthcoming global competitions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
