THERE is uncertainty that marathoner Gabriel Geay will compete at this year’s Paris Olympics as he has not fully recovered from his injury.

Geay is one of four local marathoners who qualified for the Paris Games. The others are Alphonse Simbu, Jackline Sakilu, and Magdalena Shauli. 

The athlete was notably absent on Friday in Dar es Salaam during the team flag-off event, as it has emerged that he is still nursing an injury.

This prompted the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) to send its doctor to monitor Geay’s condition. 

The team’s doctor, Elisa Mkongo, reported that Geay is dealing with an Achilles tendon stress injury.

"I went to Arusha to monitor how he is progressing. His situation is mild to moderate. On the day I visited him, I found him coming from his daily exercise. I think it's not that bad," Dr. Mkongo said.

Dr. Mkongo mentioned that the athlete can still travel to Paris as there are chances that he may recover before the marathon event on August 9. 

He added that while at the Olympic Village, the athlete will be attended by different specialists, which could help him recover quickly and compete.

“While in France, he (Geay) will be attended by different specialists and this can help him with a quick recovery, allowing him to compete. But if he fails to compete, the doctors who will treat him there will still follow his progress even when he returns home," he said.

TOC Secretary General Filbert Bayi confirmed that despite Geay’s injury, he will still travel to France as all necessary arrangements have already been made.

"The team’s doctor went to Arusha to visit Geay and he has informed us that his situation is not bad. He can recover and compete. Currently, he is doing some training," said Bayi.

At the Paris Olympics, Tanzania will be represented by athletes from athletics, swimming, and judo. The athletes representing the country include swimmers Collins Saiboko and Sophia Latiff, and judoka Andrew Mlungu.