Early Life and Beginnings
Tarsis Orogot was born in the village of Soroti, Uganda, but spent most of his childhood in the capital city, Kampala, attending his high school from St Lawrence Citizen campus. Growing up, he was an avid participant in rugby, where his speed on the pitch caught the attention of his coaches. Encouraged to try sprinting, Orogot quickly demonstrated his natural talent by winning his first 100m race. By the age of 14, he had already stormed to the top of the podium at the Kampala UAF Trials with a time of 10.6 seconds in the 100m, marking his arrival as a promising young sprinter.
Rise to Prominence
In 2017, Orogot began to make a name for himself on the Ugandan sprinting scene, not only excelling in the 100m but also placing fifth in the 200m at the Ugandan Championships with a time of 22.65 seconds. His dedication to the sport saw him move to Nairobi, Kenya, in 2019 to train full-time, a decision that was pivotal in his development as a sprinter. Despite facing skepticism from coaches and officials who doubted his potential to compete internationally in sprint events, Orogot remained resolute in his ambitions.
International Breakthrough
Orogot’s breakthrough on the global stage came in 2021 at the U20 World Athletics Championships. Competing in his first international event, he reached the finals of the 200m, finishing fourth, and advanced to the semifinals of the 100m. His impressive performances earned him a spot at the University of Alabama, where he continued to excel on the American collegiate circuit.
Achievements at the University of Alabama
In 2022, Orogot made history by becoming the first Ugandan to compete in the 200m at the World Athletics Championships. He also achieved significant success at the collegiate level, winning bronze in the 200m and silver as part of the 4x400m relay at the SEC Championships. Additionally, he clinched a gold medal in the 200m dash at the Tom Jones Memorial.
Setting Records
The following year, Orogot set a world-leading time of 20.20 seconds in the 200m at the Don Kirby Invitational in Albuquerque, cementing his status as one of the top young sprinters to watch. Despite the challenges of being far from home, Orogot maintained close contact with his family, who have been supportive of his journey.
Olympic Debut and Unique Style
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Orogot made a memorable debut, not only for his athletic prowess but also for his bold choice of footwear. Competing in the men’s 200m, he advanced to the semifinals with a time of 20.32 seconds, all while sporting bright, SpongeBob-themed socks. This playful display resonated with fans and added a unique touch to the intense atmosphere of the Olympic competition.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Orogot’s journey has been fueled by the support of his mother, a former competitive runner who faced similar challenges in her youth. Her encouragement has been a driving force behind his success. Despite being far from home, Orogot stays connected to his roots by listening to Kenyan music and working with a life coach from Africa. His motto, “Just a boy with a dream,” encapsulates his determination to be one of the best sprinters in the world.
Tarsis Orogot’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering belief in his dreams. As he continues to compete on the global stage, he remains an inspiration to young athletes in Uganda and beyond.
Orogot Top Marks
Accolades
- 2022, 2023 World Championships semifinalist
- Currently holds the Ugandan national records for both the 100m and 200m (indoor, outdoor)
- First Ugandan in history to compete at a World Championship in the 200m
- First East African in history to run under 20 seconds in the 200m
- Holds the 200-meter, indoor and outdoor UA school records
- Holds the UA school record as a member of the 4×400-meter indoor and outdoor relay contingents
- 2023 USTFCCCA Men’s National Athlete of the Week (April 18)
- 2023 SEC Men’s Runner of the Week (April 18)
- 2023 NCAA indoor silver medalist in the 200m, earning First Team All-America recognition
- 2023 SEC indoor bronze medalist in the 200m to earn First Team All-SEC honors
- 2023 First Team All-American (200m, 4x400m relay)
- 2023 SEC outdoor silver medalist (4x400m relay) and bronze medalist (200m)
- 2023 Outdoor Second Team All-SECÂ
- 2023 Indoor First Team All-American (200m, 4x400m relay)
- 2023 Indoor First Team All-SEC
2023-24
Outdoor
- Captured a second-place finish (10.12) and the third-fastest time in the NCAA this season in the men’s 100-meter dash (Battle on the Bayou)
- Took second in the men’s 4×100-meter relay, clocking a 39.43 alongside Jekovan Rhetta, Josh Thomas and Matthew Weaver (Crimson Tide Invitational)
- Finished fourth (10.48) in the men’s 100-meter dash
- Recorded a first-place finish (3:08.52) in the men’s 4×400-meter relay, running alongside Chris Robinson, Matthew Weaver and Spencer Gudgel
Indoor
- Finished first (20.34) in the men’s 200-meter dash (New Mexico Collegiate Classic)
- Clocked a first-place finish (3:03.28) in the men’s 4×400-meter relay running alongside Hasani Barr, Chris Robinson and Khaleb McRae (Tiger Paw Invitational)
- This squad’s time is No. 3 all time in program history
- Clocked a 20.46 in the men’s 200-meter dash, finishing fourth and earning first team All-American status (NCAA Indoor Championships)
2022-23
Outdoor
- Clocked a fifth-place finish in the 200m at the NCAA National Championships
- Finished fourth as a member of the 4×400-meter relay at the national meet
- Took bronze in the 200m and silver as a member of the 4×400-meter relay at the SEC Championships
- Won the 200-meter dash at the Tom Jones Memorial (April 15) in his season debut for the event
- Third-fastest, all conditions mark in collegiate history
- Fastest all-conditions mark by any African in history
Indoor
- Finished second in the 200m (20.17) at the NCAA Championships (March 11)
- Finished third in the 200m (20.45) at the SEC Championships (Feb. 25)
- Won the 200-meter event at the Don Kirby Invitational (Feb. 10)
2021-22
Outdoor
- Finished eighth in the 200-meter dash finals at the NCAA Championships (June 11)
- Finished sixth in the 200-meter dash final at the SEC Championships (May 14)
Indoor
- Finished in the top-15 of all three meets he competed in during the indoor season
The International Stage
- 2022, 2023 World Championships semifinalist
- Finished second at the 2023 indoor National Championships
- Finished fourth at the 2021 U20 World Championships
- Currently holds the Ugandan national records for both the 100m and 200m (indoor, outdoor)
- First Ugandan in history to compete at a World Championship in the 200m
- First East African in history to run under 20 seconds in the 200m
Personal
- Born Nov. 24, 2002
- Has eight siblings: Orogot Maureen, Orogot Pamela, Apollo Sara, Aido Sheila, Amito Sonia, Achola Sasha, Ekoku Telvin and Ayano Shivon
- Majoring in hospitality
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