Joshuwa cheptegei has made Uganda proud after he bagged a Gold medal finishing ahead of Mohammed Ahmed of Canada, who took the silver, and Paul Chelimo of the United States who scooped the bronze.
Cheptegei, with a time of 12 minutes, 58.15, became the first Ugandan to win the event as he bagged the Olympic gold that has eluded him for so long.
” I came here to become an Olympic champion and my dream has been fulfilled today in a beautiful evening.” He said.
Back in his home place in Kapchorwa, North of Uganda, village members were packed at the athlete’s fathers house to see the race and as soon as he won the house went mad with excitement.
Uganda’s Jacob kiplimo was in the early lead but mid way cheptegei took over the front spot and sealed the gold with a ferocious charge over the last section.
Canada’s Ahmed came second with silver while chelimo of United States managed third with bronze
“I knew it was going to be tough, that there was going to be a lot of bumping” the Kenyan-born American went on. “That’s part of the game and I tried to run a really smart race to get into the medals.” chelimo said
