Down Memory Lane: The shoe drama before Dorcus Inzikuru’s golden run

In 2006, all eyes were on Dorcus Inzikuru, Uganda’s world champion and queen of the 3000m steeplechase, as she prepared to deliver the country’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in 16 years.

But on the eve of her final in Melbourne, a bizarre kit fiasco nearly derailed her race.

With just hours to go, Uganda’s chief de mission Peter Okot Omwony was dashing around town, desperately hunting for the right spikes.

“We are to blame. We put in our offer with Puma a bit late, that’s why we have all these problems,” Omwony admitted breathlessly, juggling Adidas shoes of the wrong sizes.

The problem? Puma had taken over as official kit supplier for Team Uganda, but provided no running shoes. Inzikuru, still under contract with Puma’s rivals Adidas, had left her trusted spikes in Italy. Adidas rushed in a replacement pair—but sent the wrong size (6½ instead of 6).

A laughing but determined Inzikuru told reporters:

“They brought shoes that were big. I cannot put on other shoes because I have a contract with Adidas. But don’t worry, I will run and win. Just ask Ugandans to pray for me.”

Victims of the chaos

Inzikuru wasn’t the only athlete affected. High jumper David Odou Okot broke down in tears after being denied a chance to compete. Despite being ready for his event, he was not allowed to jump because he had no shoes by the time the competition started.

Typically, international kit deals ensure athletes, officials, and even journalists are properly kitted at local depots. But Uganda’s late order meant the team was left scrambling.

The race ahead

Despite the confusion, Inzikuru carried Uganda’s golden hopes. Her season-best time of 9:15.04 made her the overwhelming favourite, though Jamaicans Korine Hinds (9:30.12) and Madrea Hyman (9:27.21), as well as a fast-rising Kenyan (9:26.95), were looming threats.

With the Russians absent from the Commonwealth Games, the stage was set for Inzikuru to ignite the Melbourne Cricket Ground and end Uganda’s long wait for gold—provided she had the right shoes, and the right state of mind.