Uganda’s long distance runner Joshua Cheptegei has won gold in the men’s 5000m final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Friday at the Olympic Stadium in Japan.
This is Cheptegei’s second medal at the games after he won Silver in the men’s 10,000m last week.
Cheptegei who headed to the race as a World Record holder in the 5000m finished with a winning time of 12:58.15. Canada’s Mohamed Katir (12:58.61) finished second while USA’s Paul Chelimo came third with a time of 12:59.05.
Anotht top pre-race prospect Jacob Kiplimo, a Ugandan finished fifth albeit a spirited effort.
Cheptegei’s gold is Uganda’s fourth medal in Tokyo and 11th overall at the games. Jacob Kiplimo (men’s 10,000m bronze) and Peruth Chemutai (Women’s 3000m steeplechase gold) are the other Ugandan athletes to have finished on the podium in Japan.
Later today, Uganda’s middle distance runner Winnie Nanyondo will be in action in the Women’s 1500m final. She finished fourth in semifinal 2 on Wednesday.
The Olympic Games will wind down this weekend and Uganda is still hoping for more silverware in track events.
