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KAMPALA, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Steven Kiprotich is ready to defend his Olympic marathon gold medal when the final takes place on Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 2012 Olympics star told Xinhua before departure for Brazil that he is well prepared for the challenge.
"I know the Ethiopians and Kenyans have been working hard and running good times, but I am very prepared for this," Kiprotich said.
He said he has been running in many top international events and therefore he is ready to put a good show in Rio.
"I have trained well and having two other team members in the race will be of added advantage in Rio on Aug. 21," he said.
Kiprotich, Jackson Kiprop and Solomon Munyo Mutai who are Uganda's marathon team were flagged off to Brazil on Monday.
Omara Apita, the Commissioner in-charge of Physical Education said they are confident the team will put-up a good show in Brazil and win some medals.
Uganda's athletes who have already bowed out of the on-going Olympic Games in Brazil include; Kennedy Katende, Ronald Serugo (Boxing), Jamila Lunkuse, Joshua Ekirikubinza (Swimming) and athletes Juliet Chekwel, Adero Nyakisi, Timothy Toroitich, Mose Kurong and Joshus Kiprui Cheptegei.
