31 July 2021 | Olympics

Ugandan runner Stephen Kissa has explained why he took an early lead before pre-maturely exiting the Tokyo Olympics 10,000m final on Friday. 

Kissa created a 10 second gap between him and the leading pack as he dragged on till the 16th lap when he lost the lead to Kenyan Conseslus Kipruto.

He eventually dropped quickly to the back of the runners before exiting in what looked like a pacemakers job for the day. 

When interviewed about the DNF against his name, Kissa who has been hailed for his “heroics” back home in Uganda said it had been a “sacrifice” for Joshua and Jacob to win. 

“It was a sacrifice for the team. We had a plan for me to go ahead to make it a fast race,” he told media in Tokyo after the race.

"We [Uganda] were planning for the gold but unfortunately we have a silver and bronze. But I'm happy. We have two medals."

Ethiopian Selemon Barega won the race in 27:43:22, Cheptegei and Kiplimo finishing 2nd - 3rd in 27:43:63 and 27:43:88 respectively. 

When to watch Kiplimo and Cheptegei compete again at the Tokyo Olympics; 

Men's 5000m Round 1 - Heat 1-2

Date and Time: Tue 3 Aug. (2:00pm - 2:20pm EAT)

Venue: Olympic Stadium

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