Nakayi focused on mentoring next generation of athletes
Nakaayi believes that mentoring young athletes is just as important as winning titles.
Halima Nakayi during the Mixed Relays at the Tororo Golf Course during the National cross country championships. (Photos by Johnson Were)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Ugandan 800m athlete Halimah Nakaayi is on a mission to inspire the next generation of champions.
Despite her list of accolades, including being the 2019 World Champion and the 2022 World Indoor Championship bronze medallist, Nakaayi believes that mentoring young athletes is just as important as winning titles.
Speaking to Vision Sport on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after competing in the mixed relays, where her Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) team finished third, Nakaayi reflected on her purpose for participating in national events.
Stephen Kiprotich with Sarah chelangat (L) and Halima Nakayi (R) Chelangat won the National Cross country championship while Nakayi competed in the Mixed Relays at the Tororo Golf course. 
“I did not come here to win, but to inspire future champions and also start my preparations for the World Championships and other international races to come,” Nakaayi said.
The National Cross-Country Athletics Championships saw Sarah Chelangat take the women’s senior title and Kenneth Kiprop win in the men’s seniors.
The event marked the 31st edition of the National Cross-Country Championship and the seventh time it was held in the Tororo District.