# Claudette Mukasakindi

Claudette Mukasakindi (born 25 December 1982 in Nyarugenge) is a Rwandan long-distance runner. She competed in the marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympics, placing 101st with a time of 2:51:07. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, she finished 11th in the women's 10000 m.
She competed for Rwanda at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women's marathon. She placed 126th with a time of 3:05.57. She was the flag bearer for Rwanda during the closing ceremony.

## Quotes

* I could not maintain my rhythm but my aim was to finish the race, which fortunately, I did.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/132696/Sports/ankle-injury-ruined-my-rio-target---mukasakindi. The New Times (August 15, 2016).
* I will never forget the first time I carried my country’s flag.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012)
* Everyone has the potential to win but sometimes, other competitors soar higher and leave you wondering if you will ever get to their level, especially when you surpass your previous best times.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* Many people think athletes don’t get married and that if we do, we can’t have kids. That’s ridiculous!.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* There are some men who can’t approach a female athlete because of our masculine bodies. Why should that be a problem? We are no different from other women.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* Do not let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you can do anything you put your mind to.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* Some people find pleasure in pulling other people down with negativity.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* Women should stop at nothing to fulfill their goals.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* I qualified because I was an outstanding candidate.
** https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/81128/my-physique-does-not-make-me-less-of-a-woman-a-mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 03, 2012).
* When people close to me realised I had potential, they supported me both morally and financially and encouraged me to participate at the higher levels.
** My physique does not make me less of a woman – Mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 2012)
* Even though I left empty handed, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
** My physique does not make me less of a woman – Mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 2012)
* Sometimes, I’m forced to train in full body attire even though it is very uncomfortable because real athletic wear is frowned upon.
** My physique does not make me less of a woman – Mukasakindi. The New Times. (October 2012)
* Winning this race is good for me because it shows that I am in good shape. Training has been going pretty well, I have to maintain my shape by competing in such events.
** Mukasakindi intensifies preps ahead of Rio Games. The New Times. (June 2016)
* This race, though not a full marathon, can only motivate me to work harder ahead of the forthcoming Olympics.
** Mukasakindi intensifies preps ahead of Rio Games. The New Times. (June 2016)