Ntakiyimana, Nyirarukundo are athletes of the year

Men’s category1. Emmanuel Ntakiyimana 1040 points2. Jean Marie Vianney Myasiro 1003 points3. Eric Sebahire 992 points Women category1. Nyirarukundo Salome 1168 points2. Beatha Nishimwe 1142 points3. Honorine Iribagiza 1118 points APR ATHLETICS CLUB DUO of Emmanuel Ntakiyimana and Salome Nyirarukundo have been named by Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) as the 2015/16 best athletes of the season. The pair was confirmed on Sunday after RAF’s ordinary annual General Assembly that took place at Amahoro National Stadium conference room that aimed at making evaluations for the just concluded season as well as organising an action plan for next season among others. RAF technical director Jean Pierre Ndacyayisenga revealed that 20-year-old Ntakiyimana and19-year- old Nyirarukundo were named the best athletes of the season according to their outstanding personal performance in various international competitions recognized by International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). Ntakiyimana, who this year broke a 20-year-old national record in 400m at the Uganda National Athletics Championship after clocking 47.08 seconds, collected a total of 1040 points beating 19-year-old Myasiro by 1003 points while Eric Sebahire came third with 992 points. In the women category 19-year-old highly rated Nyirarkundo came first with a total of 1168pts followed by 18-year-old Beatha Nishimwe who collected 1142 points while 17-year-old Honorine Iribagiza came in third place with 1118 points. Nyirarukundo was the only Rwandan athlete to get a podium finish at this year’s Kigali International half marathon winning a bronze medal before competing at this year’s Africa Junior championship that was held in South Africa to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games where she finished 37th in 10,000m. “We also considered other aspects like discipline, commitment to the planned training and thirst to go higher, willing both to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback and a positive attitude,” said RAF technical director Ndacyayisenga. He added that; “We are yet to schedule an official date when these athletes will be officially awarded and it is likely to be done before the start of next season.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Ntakiyimana, Nyirarukundo are athletes of the year