Ruth Kasirye - Strong hope for World Championships medal

- As an introduction would you say some words about the special features of your life story.
- I was born in Mukono in 1982, and lived in Uganda until 1998 before Iwent to Norway to meet my mum. I was actually an athlete specializing in the 800m but took on weightlifting in 2001 at the request of my first coach Jan Robert Solli.
As an Tonsberg-based athlete I changed nationality in 2002 and started competing for Norway in weightlifting. Finally I represented Norway at the 2008 Summer Olympics, and was also the Norwegian flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. In the Olympic tournament Ifinished 7th in the 63 kg category.

- Why did you consider weightlifting worth while changing for ?
- I found this sport very interesting and I had more chance to achieve great results. I already collected several medals at European championships.This spring I was silver medallist in Bucharest EC.

- What are your plans for this year and by the time you will retire as a lifter:?
- My goal is to win my first World Championships medal in Korea. I think I will retire after 2012 Olympic Games and wish to base my family.

- How often do you return to Uganda?
- I visited Uganda last year just after Olympic Games. - What is your favourite leisure time activity? - I enjoy watching tv and read school books.

- You won the Eleiko Grand Prix 2006 and 2007 as well, Why did you return?
- Eleiko Grand Prix was my first international competition were I felt that I could compete with girls on international level. I like this competition because it is organized just for girls. I wish more girls would come to the Eleiko Grand Prix in the future.

(Conny Högg)

 Photo: Sven Geisler