Siporo n'Olympics

Muraho mwese! It's time for another blog post for Rwanda. This month, in honour of the imminent XXX Olympiad in London, and as requested by Chris, I will give you all a little bit about Rwanda's Olympic history and their athletes who will be competing for medals when the Games begin on Friday, July 27, 2012.

Rwanda's participation in the Olympics began with the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where they were represented by three athletes (two men and one woman) in athletics (track and field for you non-British English speakers). Competing in the middle distances, all of Rwanda's representatives failed to advance from their heats, though they paved the way for Rwanda's continued participation in the Olympics: Rwanda has sent athletes to every summer Olympiad since 1984. Over the past seven Olympiads, Rwanda has sent a total of 37 athletes to compete in mostly running and swimming events, with 24 men and 13 women. They were best-represented at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, when they sent 10 athletes (7 men and 3 women), and the fewest number of athletes they've sent remains the three that went to the Los Angeles Games. This year, Rwanda will be represented by 6 athletes (4 men and 2 women) in four sports.

Rwanda has traditionally sent the most athletes in athletics and swimming. Despite not being nearly as strong in distance running as it's world-class neighbours, Kenya and Ethiopia, Rwanda's best Olympic finish was achieved by Dieudonné Disi, a runner who competed in the 10,000 metres in both 2004 and 2008, finishing 17^th and 19^th, respectively. The Rwandan flag has yet to be hoisted up on any pole during a medal ceremony. Rwanda has one medal to it's name in the Paralympics: Jean de Dieu Nkundabera earned bronze in the 800m wheelchair race at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. This year's group of six will go to London hoping to see their flag raised high above a roaring crowd as they feel the weight of a medal around their neck.

In athletics, Rwanda will send three athletes: two men and one woman. Robert Kajuga, a 27 year-old distance runner will compete in the 10,000 metres after having earned the Olympic 'B' standard in a time of 28:03 earlier this summer. Given that the current world record in the event is 26:17.53, a medal for Kajuga is very unlikely.

The other male competing for Rwanda in athletics is Jean Pierre Mvuyekure, who will compete in the marathon after meeting the Olympic 'B' standard time with his mark of 2:17:32 in Rome. The 25 year old currently trains in Kenya, but he is likely to finish far behind those who share the Kenyan grasslands as a training ground, as the current world record is 2:03:38, and the London course should see runners approaching that mark.

The lone woman representing Rwanda in athletics is Claudette Mukasakindi, who will run the marathon. The 31 year-old runner has a best time of 2:40:18, well off the world record of 2:15:25 set by Britain's own Paula Radcliffe. Like the rest of the Rwandan athletics contingent, the Games will serve more as a great competitive experience than a chance of earning hardware.

In judo, Rwanda will be represented by Fred Yannick Uwase in the men's 73 kg category after he earned a wildcard spot. The 17 year old,who lives and trains in France, is considered to be one of Africa's best in judo, but winning a medal will be difficult for the youngster in a sport where experience means a lot.

Rwanda's lone representative in the pool will be the young female athlete Alphonsine Agahozo. The 15 year old, who studies and trains in France on a scholarship, was awarded one of two guaranteed places given to each national Olympic committee in swimming. She herself acknowledges that her personal best time of 30.2 seconds in her event (the 50 metres freestyle) is unlikely to translate into a medal (the world record is 23.73), but the experience for the developing athlete will certainly be invaluable.

Perhaps Rwanda's best hope for a medal (though still a long shot) is Adrien Niyonshuti, a cyclist who will compete in the men's cross-country mountain bike race. The 25 year-old professional rider has experienced quite a bit of success on the African continent, including two overall wins in the Tour of Rwanda, Rwanda's annual road bike race. He rides for MTN Qhubeka, a team based in South Africa. You can read a bit about his incredible story and his chances in the Games here.

Besides the six athletes profiled above, Rwanda will also have representatives in the 2012 Paralympics. There, they will send the national sitting volleyball team, Hermas Cliff Muvunyi (athletics, 400m and 800m), and Théogène Hakizimana (weightlifting, 82.5 kg).

As the Olympics begin, I hope you take some time to watch some of Rwanda's athletes compete in their respective sports. The small country is unlikely to be celebrating its first Olympic medal at the conclusion of this year's Games, but the youth of its athletes shows that the Olympic future, just like that of the country in general, has the potential to be very bright.

Happy birthday this month: Jefferson, Dad

Next month's post: Guest writer (Derek riffs on Rwanda)