Halimah Nakaayi, Uganda’s 2019 world 800m champion, sprinted to a season-best 1:58.39 to secure bronze in the women’s 800m at the Diamond League meet in Shanghai (Keqiao), China.
Facing a high-caliber field at the China Textile City Sports Centre, Nakaayi delivered a trademark strong finish to place third. The race was won by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma in 1:56.64 – a meet record and world-leading time – with Australia’s Sarah Billings second in a personal-best 1:57.83.
Despite the blistering pace set by the frontrunners, Nakaayi held her own, closing hard in the final straight to earn Uganda a spot on the podium.
Her 1:58.39 not only marked her fastest time this year but also signaled she’s rounding into peak form ahead of the World Championships. “This gives me a lot of confidence,” Nakaayi said, noting that she’s edging closer to her national record (1:58.04) as the global championships approach.
The bronze in Shanghai/Keqiao adds to a growing list of international accolades for Nakaayi, who continues to establish herself among the world’s elite two-lap runners.
