Ugandans rushed to social media Friday night to thump their chests and congratulate Joshua Cheptegei as the country’s greatest athlete finally won the 10000m Olympic gold.
Cheptegei crossed the finish line with an Olympic Record time of 26:43.14, dethroning Selemon Barega.
This is the first medal for the Pearl of Africa at this year’s Olympics.
“Congratulations Joshua Cheptegei. You have once again done Uganda and Africa proud,” former prime minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, posted on X.
“You continue to be an inspiration to the next generation of athletes all around the world. Congratulations!”
In Kapchorwa district where Cheptegei hails from, celebrations were held through the night.
Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi couldn’t push further than silver medal, after clocking 26:43.44.
Speaking to the media, Cheptegei said: “When I took silver in Tokyo, I was so disappointed. I just wanted to win the 10,000m race. [Now] My collection for this run is really complete.”
“My collection for this run is really complete. I’m so excited,” he told reporters.
“Barely 16 years ago when I was watching the great Kenenisa Bekele win in Beijing, it was something that grew in my heart,” the champion noted.
“I said, ‘one day I want to be Olympic champion’. It is the most special day. I can’t describe the feeling. I’ve wanted this for a long time. When I took silver in Tokyo I was so disappointed. I just wanted to win the 10,000m.”
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The Uganda Police Force congratulated their own, saying: “He’s done it again! ASP Joshua Cheptegei wins a gold medal with a time of 26:43.14 in the 10,000m! Congratulations, Joshua, for making Uganda proud!”
