KAMPALA: Ugandans are celebrating the 10,000m win by their national star athlete Joshua Cheptegei at the World Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
On Sunday, Cheptegei clinched gold in the 10,000m race with a time of 27:51.42, becoming only the fourth athlete in history to secure a third consecutive World Championship gold medal.
Although recent injuries impacted Cheptegei’s form, he dominated the race, breaking away as he neared the bell and sealing his win. Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo won silver, and Selemon Barega of Ethiopia took home bronze.
The victory has filled Ugandans with pride, especially considering Cheptegei’s status as the world record holder for both the 5,000m and 10,000m.
“I have always had the confidence in Cheptegei to deliver when there is a lot at stake. Joshua is very experienced and knows what to do when he is fully fit. Thanks Joshua for making Uganda proud,” commented Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).
Mary Namayanja, an athletics supporter, told Xinhua, “Cheptegei has been injured lately and we were not sure he would perform well. But we thank him for holding the Ugandan flag high by winning gold.”
Janet Kataaha Museveni, Uganda’s first lady and Minister of Education and Sports, also recognised Cheptegei’s achievement. “Congratulations Cheptegei on securing your third consecutive 10,000-metre title at the 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary. Your triumph resonates across Uganda, home to the majestic mountain gorilla,” Kataaha Museveni posted on X platform.
Alongside Cheptegei, 19 other athletes are representing Uganda at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary. – BERNAMA-XINHUA
