04 August 2021 | Athletics

Peruth Chemutai has won Uganda her first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics after claiming the 3000m steeplechase final on Wednesday. 

Chemutai became the first winner of Gold in any Olympics competition by a Ugandan lady having upstaged top opposition in American Frerichs Courtney and Kenyan Kiyeng Hyvin. 

The Kapchorwa based star posted 9:01:45 to break the national record, Frerichs also running a season best of 9:04:79. 

The 22-year-old started out with a worryingly slow pace before the first hurdle, but quickly drifted to the lead past Kenyans Beatrice Chepkoech and Kiyeng.

And just like her display in the heats in round 1, Chemutai maintained her position until 4th lap when Frerichs took over. She however remained within 3m from the silver medalist’s relentless charge.

With less than 800m to go, Chemutai upped her pace to overtake Frerichs in fine fashion before storming to the finish line like no other.

Memories of Dorcus Inzikuru’s gold at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships when she ended Uganda's 33-year wait for an athletics world title were summoned.

Her special milestone means Uganda has won three Gold at the Olympics overall. The first Gold was won by John Akii Bua in the 1972 games in Munich over the 400m hurdles.

The second medal was clinched by Stephen Kiprotich at the 2012 London Olympics over the men’s marathon. Chemutai’s record shattering gold is third.

Recent Comments