The athletics national team head coach is convinced of the fact that Rwandan athletes could perform better in international events next season.

In a recent interview with Times Sport Adolph Rukenkanya said that if the athletes are given enough care and improved training ahead of major international competitions, he predicts their performances to better this season’s.

The Burundian’s remarks come after the half marathon team’s good show at this year’s World Road Running championship held in Udine, Italy last month where Team Rwanda finished sixth and Dieudonne Disi also took sixth spot in the individual category.

Rukenkanya who led the team in Udine supposes that had his runner got enough and better preparation, they would have done even much better than they did.

 "It was an interesting and encouraging display from them (athletes) on any standard you looked at it,” he said of the Rwandan athletes that competed at the world road running championship.

He excitedly noted, "They all recorded improvements in their personal best (timing records). I was left astonished.”
Before intervening with a rather well directed reminder (probably aimed at his bosses), "This is a lesson for our country to emphasize early preparations in future.

Next year, things should be done a lot better than it has been this year, if our athletes are going to have a chance to  challenge the likes of Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and even Uganda at long distance races,” Rukenkanya.

The veteran trainer also took time to talk about the type of potential that exists within the young long distance athletes in the likes of Slyvain Rukundo, Angelline Nyiransabimana and Gervais Hakizimana.

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