Ugandan female middle distance runner Peruth Chemutai has earned her nation its first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after coming atop in the Women’s 3000m steeplechase final on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium in Japan.
Chemutai, 22 posted a winning time of 9:01.45, a national record, to become the first Ugandan woman to win gold at the games.
USA’s Freichs Courtney who led earlier on fell behind in the final lap but finished second with a time of 9:04.79 to claim silver.
Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng won bronze after finishing third with a time of 9:05.39.
Chemutai’s gold is Uganda’s third medal in Tokyo and 10th overall at the games.
Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have already claimed silverware for Uganda at the event after winning Silver and Bronze respectively in the men’s 10000m last week. The pair will attempt a double when they race in the men’s 5000m on Friday.
Middle distance runner Winnie Nanyondo has reached the Women’s 1500m final after finishing fourth in semifinal 2 on Wednesday.
The Olympic Games will wind down this weekend and Uganda’s hopes of silverware still remains in track events.
