Ugandans celebrate as golden boy Cheptegei sets Olympic record in Paris 2024
The climax came in the final 100 meters, where Cheptegei's explosive finish sealed his victory, leaving fans and commentators in awe.
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei has done it again! The Ugandan long-distance sensation won gold in the men’s 10,000 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting a new Olympic record.
Employing his signature tactic, Cheptegei allowed his competitors to lead early in the race. With three laps remaining, he surged ahead, taking the lead decisively. The climax came in the final 100 meters, where Cheptegei’s explosive finish sealed his victory, leaving fans and commentators in awe.
The win has ignited celebrations across Uganda and beyond, with prominent figures and everyday fans expressing their admiration and pride on X (formerly Twitter).
An athletics commentator noted, “Joshua Cheptegei, with a performance of a lifetime, a world champion, a world record holder. He (Joshua Cheptegei) will never run the track after this year and he is signing off in style. He is the champion and that will never, never be forgotten.”
Calls for national recognition of Cheptegei’s achievements have grown louder. Allan Kasujja passionately demanded, “We demand a Joshua Cheptegei Avenue!” In agreement, Joseph Beyanga added, “He deserves more than an Avenue. What does it take to rename one of those hills? We’re talking about Joshua Cheptegei; a world record holder and Olympics record holder for 10,000m!”
Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda joined in the praise, congratulating Cheptegei for making Uganda and Africa proud once again. “You continue to be an inspiration to the next generation of athletes all around the world,” Rugunda stated.
Charles Onyango-Obbo, a renowned journalist, celebrated the win with a clever play on words, “If it looks like Ugandan gold, if it runs like Ugandan gold, then it’s Ugandan gold at #OlympicGames in the 10,000M. Joshua Cheptegei is simply golden. And a new Olympic record to boot!”
Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala, Doreen Nyanjura, highlighted the sportsmanship exhibited by Cheptegei, saying, “You can run your race and win without pushing others down, Joshua Cheptegei just proved so once again.”
Journalist Usher Komugisha reflected on the magnitude of the achievement, noting, “Joshua Cheptegei finally wins the elusive Olympics GOLD medal in the men’s 10,000m. What an achievement!”
Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of Opposition celebrated Cheptegei’s consistency and dominance on the global stage, stating, “Congratulations Joshua Cheptegei upon winning your third straight global title in an Olympic record.”
Some of Joshua Cheptegei’s gold wins
- Paris 2024 Olympics: 10,000m
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 5,000m
- 2019, 2022, 2023: World Champion
- World record Holder: 5,000m
- World record holder: 10,000
- Olympic record holder: 10,000m
