'Kathleen Noble has given us hope': Uganda joy at history-making Olympic row

The daughter of an Irish missionary couple became Uganda's first Olympic rowing this morning

Kathleen Grace Noble in Tokyo. Photo: Uganda Rowing Community Facebook

Kathleen Grace Noble — the Uganda-born daughter of Irish missionary parents — finished fifth in Sanita Puspure’s heat of the women single sculls this morning in Tokyo, 35 seconds behind Ireland’s world champion.

But her history-making race — Noble is Uganda’s first Olympic rower — clocked a personal best, good enough for a Uganda record and a place in Saturday’s repechage.