President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni has gifted 2020 Tokyo Olympics medalists with brand new cars after returning from Japan a day ago. 

The Head of State along Minister of Education and Sports – Janet Kataaha Museveni met the medal winners at the Kololo Independence Grounds during a luncheon on Wednesday. 

Speaking at the event, Museveni expressed his gratitude at the fact that Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo and Peruth Chemutai had made the country proud.

H.E revealed he would make sure Cheptegei who won gold and silver in the men’s 5000m and 10,000m respectively, Kiplimo who also won 10,000m bronze and 3000m steeplechase gold medal Chemutai would have houses built for their parents. 

“I made an order in 2013 that anybody who wins gold at a continental level, commonwealth or Olympics should be paid Shs5m per month all the time and Shs1 million for silver and bronze.

“It was not honored…I was told they are being paid quarterly. I didn’t say quarterly. I speak English very well. All their areas will be paid. …what they should have been paid. 

“And because I’m now a happy man. I will give each of these medalist a car. I will build for their parents a house each,” Mr Museveni said.

He added; “And because I’m now a happy man because of the medal I will give each of these medalist a car. I will build for their parents a house each.”

And for giving us such great talent, the parents of the gold medalists will be appreciated too. The government will build houses for them. I thank you. pic.twitter.com/amO0CBK0oO

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 11, 2021

Uganda’s performance at the Tokyo Olympics was the best ever witnessed from a contingent from the nation because of the four medals gathered as compared to the two achieved at the 1968 and 1972 games apiece.

The third and final delegation of the Uganda Olympics team that took part in the 32nd edition of the Olympic Games in Japan has safely returned home on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

The last batch included all the three Uganda’s medalists; Joshua Cheptegei (5000m gold medal and 10,000m silver), Peruth Chemutai (3000 m steeple chase gold) as well as Jacob Kiplimo (10,000m bronze).

Every single activity at Entebbe International Airport came to a standstill as the medalists, other athletes and team officials disembarked from the plane.

They duly went through the mandatory immigration process and checks as Government officials, parents, friends, airport staff and the media were keen to receive them.

Sadly, they couldn’t meet the media due to the COVID 19 precautions, pending an official state luncheon by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta and the first lady at Kololo Independence Grounds on Wednesday, 11thAugust 2021.

John Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher EducationMinister John Chrizestom Muyingo received the delegation on behalf of the Government.

The three medalists were each granted a special open roofed car as they displayed their medals for all onlookers and passers by to see in the procession from Entebbe International Airport to the capital city, Kampala.

Several applauded the contingent as they drove to Kampala, often pausing to wave and many took their pictures using cameras and cell phones.

The first group arrived on Thursday, 5thAugust 2021 with the second batch touching base three days later before the final group on Tuesday.

The head of state will host the entire delegation at a welcome luncheon to be held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on Wednesday, 11th August 2021.

Uganda was represented by 25 sportsmen and women in athletes, swimming, boxing and rowing. Thirteen of these were women and rest men.

Team Uganda Delegation:

Athletics:

Esther Chebet, Sarah Chelangat, Albert Chemutai, Prisca Chesang, Ronald Musagala, Winnie Nanyondo, Halima Nakaayi, Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Oscar Chelimo, Stephen Kissa, Peruth Chemutai, Mercyline Chelangat, Immaculate Chemutai, Juliet Chekwel, Stephen Kiprotich, Filex Chemongesi, Fred Musobo, Shida Leni

Boxing:

Catherine Nanziri, Musa Shadir Bwogi, David Kavuma Ssemujju

Rowing:

Grace Kathleen Noble

Swimming:

Kirabo Namutebi, Ambala Atuhaire

Officials:

General officials:

Hon Denis Hamson Obua (head of delegation), William Blick (IOC Member), Dr Donald Rukare (President NOC), Beatrice Ayikoru (Chef De Mission), Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel (General Team manager), Dr. Jacqueline Nana Nakiddu (Team doctor), Prossy Namusisi (Physitherapist), Tom Oomen (Physiotherapist), Shadiah Nakamanya (Chaperone), Aisha Nassanga (Media Liaison), Elijah Njawuzi (Team Admin), Ivan Mugowa (Team Admin), Moses Mwase (NOC), Ganzi Mugula (Athletes Representative)

Technical officials:

Adrianus Ruiter (Coach, Athletics – Tokyo), Faustino Kiwa (Coach, Athletics – Sapporo), Gordon Ahimbisibwe (Coach, Athletics – Sapporo), Domenic Otucet (Official – Athletics, Tokyo), Margaret Ijala (Coach – Athletics, Tokyo), Narisesio Bigingo (Coach – Athletics, Tokyo), Benjamin Njia (Coach – Athletics, Tokyo), Andrew Sorowen (Official – Athletics, Tokyo), Patrick Lihenda (Coach, Boxing), Hassan Mohammed Mulandi (Coach, Boxing), Rodrick Muhumuza (Coach, Rowing), Ahsan Iqbal (Coach, Rowing), Muzafaru Muwanguzi (Coach, Swimming), Dunstan Nsubuga (NOC), Sadik Nasiwu (NOC), Salim Ssenkungu Musoke (ITO, Weightlifting), Aciga Fula (ITO, Boxing)

• Uganda ended its Tokyo Olympics journey with a tough men’s marathon. The country failed to secure a podium place after favourite Stephen Kiprotich crashed out within the 13th Km but finished as the 2nd best performing African country after Kenya.
• Politician Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated the members of Team Ireland on their hugely successful Tokyo Olympics.
• Scottish athletes are celebrating an incredible Olympic Games after recording another mammoth medals haul of 16 U.S. rolls to women’s hoops gold medal in Bird’s last Olympics.
• Paris handed baton to host next Olympic Games in 2024 after Tokyo. The handover took place at the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

Uganda closed out its participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after winning 4 medals to finish as the 2nd best performing African country at the games. Joshua Cheptegei won 10,000m silver and 5,000m gold. Peruth Chemutai claimed gold in the 3,000m steeplechase while Jacob Kiplimo also won bronze in the 10,000m. Uganda’s last performance for the women’s was the 10,000m in which Mercyline Chelangat finished 24th in 33:10:90. The race was won by Netherland’s Sifan Hassan in 29:55:32. In the men’s category, Fred Musubo braved the sweltering conditions of 27C and 77% humidity to finish marathon 44th in 2:18:29. 2012 London Olympics gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich suffered a DNF while Felix Chemonges came 51st in 2:50:53.

Politician Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated the members of Team Ireland as their hugely successful Tokyo Olympics campaign ended today. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “As the Tokyo Olympics draws to a close, the whole country is so proud of every member of Team Ireland. Sport is such an important and essential aspect of Irish life. We have all shared the collective highs, and been inspired by, the achievements of our athletes. Their performances throughout these Games have lifted the spirits of our nation.[Galway Bay FM]

Scottish athletes are celebrating an incredible Olympic Games after recording another mammoth medals haul. Eleven Scots won a total of 16 medals at the Tokyo Olympics. That’s two more than at London 2012 and just two shy of the record set at Rio 2016. Overall, Team GB won 65 medals, finishing fourth in the final standings and equalling the total from London 2012. Team GB took home 22 golds, 21 silvers and 22 bronzes. Of those, three golds, 10 silvers and three bronzes were won by Scots. [The National Scot]

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi walked off the basketball court together, arm-in-arm, one last time at the Tokyo Games. They started their journey together five Olympics ago and ended it in the same fashion as always — with gold medals hanging around their necks. “All of what we’ve done for USA Basketball, we’ve done together. It’s fitting,” Bird said after the 90-75 win over Japan on Sunday. And now it’s over — at least for the 40-year-old Bird. “The best comparison is college since you know it’s the end,” Bird said. “Now I always have a wonderful feeling and a great taste in my mouth my senior year. That’s how it is with USA Basketball.” [Press Herald]

The Closing Ceremony began with a video looking back at the two weeks of the Games. It acknowledged that there was “more tension than usual” due to the impact of covid, while featuring scenes that reflect “how we were able to bring these unprecedented Games to a peaceful close,” according to officials. “The main focus of the video is not records and scores but the valiant efforts of all the athletes.” Organizers set up a grassy field in the middle of the stadium, in an effort to make athletes feel as if they are at a Tokyo park, organizers said. The move acknowledged that the Olympians could not spend time hanging out in the city, as they normally would have, due to covid restrictions. Performances, like jumping rope and yoga, re-created what it feels like to be in an imaginary park in the capital, a slice of life that organizers hope to convey to the athletes. The Japanese flag was carried in at the top of the ceremonies, with the six flag bearers consisting of four athletes, a person with a disability and a health-care professional — nods to the upcoming Paralympic Games and the efforts of medical workers in the pandemic. A joyous parade of about 4,600 participants, the majority who were Olympians, unfolded after each of the 206 participating members’ flags were marched into the center of the stadium. Athletes milled about after entering, and they clapped, danced and took photos while a row of volunteers greeted them, waving and clapping along. A ska band and a DJ played music to create a lively mood. 62 flags were carried in by volunteers because delegates had to go home, according to the BBC. (Most athletes were required to leave within 48 hours of completing their competition because of the pandemic.) The athletes who attended Sunday night had to spit into vials every day to test negative for the coronavirus to train and compete in their events. The ceremonies concluded with the handoff to the 2024 Paris Games. In the French capital, organizers broadcast an image of a large flag using the Eiffel Tower as a flagpole. A cheering crowd gathered near the Parisian landmark, before a stage featuring breakdancers. The flag’s fabric will be reused for a clothing collection that marks the Paris Games. [The Washington Post]

Uganda closed it’s participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics games with a tough men’s marathon that saw it’s representatives finish out of the top 40 runners from the streets of Sapporo on Sunday.

2012 London Olympics marathon gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich couldn’t complete the energy sapping 42km – suffering a DNF after the 12km. He had been part of the leading group before he started feeling worn out.

His discomfort forced him to grab a couple of coolants on tables lined up on the roadsides but once he stopped, it got worse. He could also see the Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge and the other front runners draw further away before giving in.

Meanwhile, Compatriot Fred Musubo braved the sweltering conditions of 27C and 77% humidity to finish 44th in 2:18:29. The 2021 Source of the Nile Half Marathon winner had moved 36th by halfway of the marathon but lost places in the final half.

The 3rd Ugandan Felix Chemongesi posted 2:50:53 in 51st place after chasing down the relentless leading pack of nearly 30 athletes. Running 44th after 15km, he kept at their tail but their blistering pace drew lots of energy from him, before letting go of a couple of places.

Brazil’s Do Nascimento Daniel who fist bumped defending champion Kipchoge after 18.8km as both enjoyed the lead suffered a DNF. The 23-year-old initially seemed comfortable but after 25.8km, he fell off and even though he tried to rejoin, his charge drew the final energy from him.

By the 31st km, Kipchoge had drawn a distance of about 20m between him and his fellow Kenyans Cherono Lawrence – the 8th fastest marathon of all time and 2019 Doha bronze medalist Amos Kipruto.

Kipruto consequently dropped off just like South Africa’s Stephen Mukoka and 2019 World Champion Desisa Lelisa for DNFs as Cherono was left alone to chase Kipchoge whose gap kept growing towards the final quarter of the race.

Kipchoge – who holds the official world marathon record of 2:01:39 and has run a sub-two hour marathon – won gold in 2:08.38, becoming only the 3rd athlete to defend an Olympic marathon title, following the bare-footed Ethopian Abebe Bikila in 1960 and 1964 and the East German Waldemar Cierpinski in 1972 and 1976.

Behind him was Dutch athlete Abdi Nageeye who took silver in 2:09:58 – although he spent the last 30m looking behind him to encourage his training partner and friend Bashir Abdi of Belgium, who edged Chorono for bronze in 2:10:00 season best.

Despite the fact that Uganda didn’t collect a medal in this event, 4 medals overall, that is to say 10,000m silver and 5,000m gold from Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo’s 10,000m Bronze plus Peruth Chemutai’s 3000m Steeplechase gold – meant the country’s most successful Olympic Games in history.

Ugandan runner Mercyline Chelangat will have to deliver a mind-blowing performance to flip the odds in her favour when she lines up against top athletes in the Tokyo Olympics women’s 10,000m on Saturday.

Chelangat will be the last woman to compete for the Pearl of Africa at this edition after Peruth Chemutai’s golden moment, the first in the 3000m steeplechase for the country in history.

Tripple medal hunter and world number 1 Sifan Hassan of Netherlands presents the toughest challenge Mercyline will have to face as she seeks gold in the event.

Hassan – the double 2019 world champion and multiple world record-holder is seeking her 3rd Tokyo Olympics medal after winning gold in the 5000m and bronze in the 1500m.

Kenyan 2018 African Champion Helen Obiri is also a serious contender for a medal after featuring in the Tokyo Olympics 5000m where she won silver just behind Hassan.

Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, the world silver medallist who now has both the world 5000m and 10,000m records to her name is also bound to mount a huge challenge in pursuit of glory.

Japan’s Hiya Nitomi who set national records for the 10,000m (30:20.44) and half-marathon (1:06:38) in 2020 is the other notable mention in the race that Mercyline will need to contend with.

When to watch Mercyline run the Tokyo Olympics 10,000m race;

Women’s 10,000m Final

Date and Time: Sat 7 Aug. (1:45pm EAT)

Venue: Olympic Stadium

Ugandan runners Chemutai Immaculate and Juliet Chekwel made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women’s marathon after finishing 16th and 69th on Saturday morning.

Even though the duo were out of podium places, they set new milestones becoming the first pair to run in the same women’s marathon for Uganda in Olympic history.

Chemutai’s tough fight to reach the tape in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 23 seconds among the top 20 was the best position Uganda has ever attained in the women’s marathon at the Olympics.

It was the third time Uganda was having representatives in the event after Jane Suuto and Nyakasi Adero featured at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 editions respectively.

Chekwel’s performance registered as her season best following her sharp start with the leading pack before she dropped off to post 2:53:40.

The grueling marathon – under sweltering conditions of 28C – was won by Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir who ran a season best of 2:27:20 to claim gold.

World record holder Kosgei Brigid from Kenyan won silver also with a season best of 2:27:36, USA’s Seidel Molly taking up the final podium spot in 2:27:46 – a season best as well.

Kenyan world champion Ruth Chepngetich – who won gold in 2019 Doha – pulled up after losing touch with the leaders at 30km suffering a DNF.

Ugandan world record holder Joshua Cheptegei claimed gold in the men’s 5000m at the Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old ran 12:58:15 to seal his spot among the world’s greatest long distance runners.

We take a look at the milestones Cheptegei has made after clinching legendary status with the gold medal at the events;

• Cheptegei’s 5000m gold meant he’s the second Ugandan to win two medals at the Olympics games. He followed the footsteps of Leo Rwabogo – a flyweight boxer – who won bronze and silver at the 1968 and 1972 games respectively.
• Cheptegei’s gold helped him become the first Ugandan athlete to claim a medal double in the same Olympics games. This follows his first medal at the games that he won in the 2020 Tokyo men’s 10,000m. He finished 2nd to claim silver while fellow Jacob Kiplimo came 3rd to seal bronze.
• Cheptegei’s gold also put the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the most successful games for Uganda since the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich editions. Cheptegei’s gold was the fourth medal Uganda has collected at the 2020 Tokyo edition – 2 more than what the country managed at the 1968 and 1972 games.
• The gold was Uganda’s fourth in Olympic history. The other three were won by John Akii Bua at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Stephen Kiprotich at the 2012 London Olympics and Peruth Chemutai at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• It is the category of Athletics that has brought Uganda her only gold (4) at the Olympics. Uganda has now won a total of 11 medals in Olympic history.

Joshua Cheptegei topped the Men’s 5000m final to win his first Olympic gold. He posted a time of 12:58.15.

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• Ugandan athlete Joshua Cheptegei has cemented his status as one of the finest athletes the world could ever witness after winning Gold in the men’s 5000m final
• Aditi Ashok placed herself sole second on the leaderboard and in line for a medal after carding a three-under 68 in the third round
• Canada defeated Sweden 1-1 (3-2 on penalties) to capture the gold medal in women’s soccer at the Tokyo Olympics
• China’s Liu Shiying is the Olympic champion in javelin after a first attempt distance of 66.34 metres secured her top spot on the podium at the Olympic Stadium

Ugandan athlete Joshua Cheptegei shed tears after claiming Gold – his most sought after accolade at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday. Cheptegei crossed the finish line first in 12:58:15 to seal his spot among the world’s greatest long distance runners but also Uganda’s finest. The race drew the best out him, running the last 100m in 14.0 for a 55.1 final circuit and 1:54.3 last 800m.

Another unexpected medal contender on the day was Aditi, a 23-year-old Bengalurean whose mother Maheshwari is her caddie at the Games. The unheralded youngster placed herself sole second on the leaderboard and in line for a medal after carding a three-under 68 in the third round. The medal proved elusive but the Indian women’s hockey team earned plenty of respect with a momentous fourth-place finish in the Olympic Games where golfer Aditi Ashok also stood on the cusp of history even as star wrestler Bajrang Punia disappointed in Tokyo on Friday. [Hindustantimes]

Canada defeated Sweden 1-1 (3-2 on penalties) to capture the gold medal in women’s soccer at the Tokyo Olympics. It’s the best result for Canada at a Summer Olympics and the third straight Summer Games in which Canada has medaled. Canada looked sluggish for much of the first half and were punished for it in the 35th minute. Kosovare Asllani pounced on a turnover in the Canada half, came down the right and found Stina Blackstenius for her fifth goal of the tournament. [TSN]

Laura Kenny became the first British woman to clinch gold at three Olympics and pentathlete Kate French triumphed as Team GB won seven medals on Friday. Cyclists Kenny and Katie Archibald took the women’s madison before French followed up in the modern pentathlon for Britain’s 18th gold at Tokyo 2020. Laura Muir won 1500m silver, with another coming for the men’s 4x100m relay team and a bronze for the women. GB also claimed bronzes in women’s hockey and the men’s cycling sprint. [BBC]

China’s Liu Shiying is the Olympic champion in javelin after a first attempt distance of 66.34 metres secured her top spot on the podium at the Olympic Stadium on Friday night. A season’s best effort for the 27-year-old was enough to win the Olympic gold to add to her Asian Games gold and her silver medal from the 2019 World Championships. It was China’s second track and field gold of the Games and inches China ever closer to the coveted top spot on the overall medal table with two days of action remaining. “It means a lot to me and my country,” Liu said. “I want to thank everyone, my team, my country and also my parents.” [South China Morning Post]

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.