By ODOKI JIMMY ACELLAM
Susan Aneno is not a very familiar name to most Ugandans unlike Ugandan sports personalities, Winnie Nanyondo and Peruth Chemutai. The 26
years old athlete who recently graduated from the University of Connecticut, U.S. is a Bronze medalist in the African U20 Championships.
Earlier in April 2022, she ran a personal best of 2:02.16 at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California. Her focus is to run 800m in less than
2:00 in 2023. Aneno is ranked number 139 in the Women’s 800m by the international body; WORLD ATHLETICS. Currently, she is training to
qualify for the World Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary in 2023 and the Olympics in 2024.
From a humble beginning in the then war torn Northern Uganda, Kitgum district, Aneno went to Mucwini Primary School in Mucwini (Wii Gweng)
and Okot YY Memorial College in Kitgum district, before transferring to Gombe Senior Secondary School in Mpigi district. She completed both
her Ordinary and Advanced levels from here. According to Aneno, all the schools she attended uniquely contributed to shaping her career as
an athlete. While in primary school, she felt strong about taking sports especially athletics seriously outside routine classroom lessons.
When she joined Gombe Secondary School, there was a remarkable difference in the way students gifted in sports were helped to nurture
their talents. With the help and generosity of the school coach, Mr. Abdullah Muhammad, she was able to harness and realize her potential in track and field events especially, the 800m. She says that the school coach was a great mentor and motivated them to do their best. “The environment at Gombe was very conducive for training and we had a team that provided much needed encouragement, support and networks. It is from Gombe Secondary School that I first got an opportunity to compete in a national event at the Mandela National stadium, Namboole
with the best athletes in Uganda and the East Africa region. Our coach sacrificed a lot to enable us take part in many competitive events outside
the school, including, going to the country’s best athletics training camps in Kapchorwa district,” said Aneno. In addition, she didn’t have to worry about paying school fees and other school requirements because the Athletics scholarship she was given covered everything she needed. She however had to work hard both in class, track & field to maintain the scholarship Aneno joined Ndejje University for undergraduate studies because of its reputation and excellent record in sporting activities. Her admission came with a sports scholarship too.
However, she was lucky to get a better opportunity in the U.S where she was also offered a sports scholarship to study at the Middle Tennessee State University. After one year, she transferred to University of Connecticut on a sports scholarship. Studying and taking part in competitions like the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships and the conferences was challenging and required a delicate
balance.
Being a student and athlete felt like working two full time jobs, which needed serious commitment in order to accomplish the tasks ahead
according to Aneno. “Coach J.J Clarke was instrumental in my achievements in the various competitions I participated in. My teammate and friend, Okwera Peter’s contribution to my success as an athlete is immense,” noted Aneno. Most importantly, her family is the bedrock
of her support and achievements. In the beginning, her father encouraged her to focus on her studies more instead of athletics but now, he understands and knows that combining both academics and athletics is not impossible. Her parents are impressed with her career and the inspiration the youth are drawing from her.
Aneno’s advice to young sportsmen and women in Uganda is to be disciplined in life on and off the track. Discipline as she defines it is; to do the right thing at the right time, at the right place for the right purpose. She also encourages athletes to work hard, consistently and to never give up because sometimes things can get tough and can make you feel like you are not making progress at all. She cites on all the great sports
personalities who have had to endure a lot of difficulties on their way up. She notes that though you may not have it easy, it doesn’t mean that you should give up. She encourages all to make effort to look for support and ask for help without hesitation or being ashamed. “It can be in terms of resources, career guidance, mentorship, or anything that can help you get to the pinnacle of your performance.
Also, use your talent in sports as a stepping stone to a better place and future. Take advantage of it to get a good education, exposure, making connections and getting better opportunities. The future is bright for sportsmen and women who are disciplined
