This weekend’s National Athletes Trials risked having a ghostly presence after a number of athletes made known of their intentions of being a no-show. The athletes attributed their failure to attend the event to a tight training schedule. The athletes many of whom participated in the last edition of the Commonwealth Games want to take Gold Coast 2018 by storm. “We are trying to prepare very well because we want good performance in Commonwealth games.” Said, Halima Nakaayi – Athlete. “I have to work hard to see that I give better results than 2014. That’s why you see that we are here training.” Said, Ronald Musagala – Athlete.

They have however decried the short period they have to prepare for the games. The 21 athletes that threw Uganda’s flag at last year’s Rwandan Championships automatically qualify to participate in this year’s Commonwealth Games. Other athletes that hit the qualifying mark in competitions such as the National Trials will also book a ticket to Gold Coast 2018.