David Emong

Started: He took up Para athletics in 2005 in Amolatar, Uganda. (Athlete, 27 Aug 2021) Reason: He was influenced by the performances of Ugandan distance runner Moses Kipsiro. (Athlete, 27 Aug 2021; Athlete, 30 Aug 2012) Milestones: He became the first Para athlete representing Uganda to win a gold medal at the world championships when he placed first in the T46 1500m at the 2017 World Championships in London, England. (NTVUganda YouTube channel, 27 Jul 2017; newslexpoint.com, 16 Jul 2017; SportsDeskOnline, 06 Jun 2024) He became the first athlete representing Uganda to win a medal at the Paralympic Games when he claimed silver in the T46 1500m at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. (SportsDeskOnline, 17 Oct 2019; voanews.com, 21 Sep 2016) Awards: In 2017 he was named Sports Personality of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year by the Uganda Sports Press Association [USPA]. (chano8.com, 24 Jul 2018) He was flag bearer for Uganda at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (myinfo.rio2016.com, 06 Sep 2016) Additional Info: FUTURE AMBITION He hopes to establish an academy for athletes with an impairment in Uganda. "Stephen [Kiprotich] and Joshua [Cheptegei] have opened academies. They help the needy, talented youths with a chance to develop their athletic talent and get an education as well. I want to do the same for those with disabilities." (monitor.co.ug, 29 Sep 2019) FURTHER EDUCATION He has studied interior art and design at Kampala University in Uganda. (Athlete, 27 Aug 2021)