Coach Mutekanga, the Olympian

On Friday, October 17, we were treated to an assembly presentation by Julius Mutekanga, coach of St. Bernard’s cross country and track team, who is a bonafide Olympic Games track competitor.

Coach Mutekanga showed slides from his early life and running career.  He grew up in Fort Portal, Uganda, Africa, one of fourteen siblings.  He explained to the rapt audience how decided to become a runner despite his love of soccer and the fact that no one else in his family or grade school had ever run competitively.  By his own will, he ran and trained, often without shoes or proper clothing, and he blazed an extraordinary life path that included competing in the 2012 Olympics in London and earning a degree from Long Island University.

The most compelling photograph Coach Mutekanga showed was of him as a fourteen year old boy, standing on a grass track with lanes marked by streaks of motor oil, wearing running shoes several sizes too large without laces or socks.  He humored the boys, "You know how I am always telling you to tie your running shoes?  Well, I didn't even have laces to come untied!"

The theme of his presentation was self-motivation, determination, and perseverance.  Originally a 400 meter specialist, Coach Mutekanga told the remarkable story of how he switched to an 800 meter race at a national competition and placed fifth overall despite having never before run the 800 meter competitively.

Coach Mutekanga’s perseverance and determination are equaled by his modesty and kindness.  He did not mention that he is the fastest man in the 800 meters out of a population of 37 million people, but it is a fact.  His fastest 800 meter time of 1:46 may not have advanced him into the Olympic finals in London in 2012, but that blazing speed can be understood when one considers that he would run a 3:32 mile if he maintained that pace.

After the presentation, the inspired boys showed their appreciation and rapture with a long applause and floor drumming until they were told to cease.  Throughout the day boys approached him with questions, thirsty to know more of his story.

The boys of St. Bernard's are fortunate to have someone with his talent as their coach.  At only twenty-six years old, Julius Mutekanga has accomplished so much.