Ugandan sprint sensation Orogot off to University of Alabama

Ugandan sprint sensation Tarsis Orogot is joining the University of Alabama(UA) on a track and field athletics scholarship as he prepares for life as a professional sprinter.

A few months ago, the national junior and senior record holder over 100m (10.35) and 200m (20.37) was resolute that going pro was the next step for him.  

Luckily, a plethora of offers from schools and agencies gave him a chance to weigh his options and he arrived at a decision after consultation.

“My family and I did some research and we talked to some experienced coaches and professional athletes who advised that we still needed more time to develop as athletes,” he said.

He is still learning the trade and isn’t yet ready to delve into the world of professional sprinting where some decent individuals have failed because they were not fully developed.

Orogot has a lot to prove when it comes to track and field and having missed out on the medal in the 200m finals after finishing fourth he hopes to improve.

While at the University of Alabama, he will hope to emulate the likes of Kirani James, a double Olympics and World Championships gold medalist who is one of the university’s biggest alumni.

“I am nervous and very excited, this being a whole new experience, but I am confident that I am going to exceed University of Alabama’s expectations and be one of the greatest signings they have ever had,” he emphasised.

Orogot has already made the qualifying times for the Commonwealth Games and at the moment, he will take advantage of the competitions in the US collegiate system to qualify for the World Championships that are set for Oregon next year.

“My plans in the short term is to qualify for the world championships in Oregon having already qualified for the Commonwealth games,” he commented.

In the long term, he intends to get a professional contract and graduate from UA with a degree in Sports Management.

For now, he is preparing for a big change in his life and he remains grateful to Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet and his coaches Dennis Mwanzo and Perpetual Mbutu.