06 August 2021 | Athletics

Joshua Cheptegei has finally claimed an Olympic title!

The 24-year-old topped the Men's 5000m final to win his first Olympic gold. He posted a time of 12:58.15, a second shy of the Olympic record.

Ahmed Mohammed of Canada and Paul Chelimo of the USA outsprinted Jacob Kiplimo on the home stretch to finish second and third place respectively.

Cheptegei showed intent quickly surging ahead after the gun and led through one and a half laps but gave way for compatriot Kiplimo who led at the 1000m and 2000m marks. Cheptegei dropped to sixth with about two laps to go but quickly went in front of the pack through the final 500m.

Kiplimo eventually finished fifth in a time of 13:02.40 while his younger brother Oscar Chelimo was the last to cross the finish line in a time of 13:44.45.

Cheptegei's medal brings Uganda’s tally at the games to four, with two gold – the other won by Peruth Chemutai in the 3000m steeplechase, one silver, and one bronze.

Recent Comments