Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei served a late surge that denied Ethiopian dominance at Paris 2024 Olympics
Joshua Cheptegei has become the greatest Ugandan Olympian ever after a remarkable run in the Paris 2024 Olympics to claim gold in the 10,000m.
The Ethiopian runners, led by Olympic champion Selemon Barega, Yomif Kejelcha and Berihu Aregawi, started quickly with Barega taking off in the second lap. They would exchange leads in a bid to burn out their rivals.
22:13 - 02.08.2024
Paris 2024: Which African teams have won Olympic gold in football as Egypt and Morocco reach semi-finals?
After reaching the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Morocco and Egypt will be hoping to emulate their African brothers
PAY ATTENTION: Join the BETTING PROF Telegram channel now
Cheptegei leads, Aregawi best of the Ethiopians
However, their plan did not succeed when it mattered most as Cheptegei unleashed a great finishing kick to claim the Olympic gold.
The Ugandan had stayed close to the Ethiopian trio and took off in the final 400m to win the race in a new Olympic record of 26:43.14.
Aregawi was the best-placed Ethiopian in second place after clocking 26.43.44. He had to do it the hard way after sprinting to the finish line in the final 100m.
American Grant Fisher completed the podium in 26.43.46 to the disappointment of Kejelcha and Barega, who could only manage sixth and seventh places respectively.
Kenyan challenge fades away
Bernard Kibet was the best-placed Kenyan in fifth place as Daniel Mateiko (11th) and Nicholas Kipkorir (14th) faded off.
It was a fast race that had seen the Ethiopians split the field, but they ended up on the losing end after spending most of their energy in the early stages of the race.
Ugandan Athletics History made
With this gold medal, Joshua Cheptegei has now won more Olympic medals than any other Ugandan athlete in history.
He adds this to his silver in the 5,000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and his 10,000m gold in the same Games.
Related content
16:06 - 02.08.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Event guide for Saturday 2 August
Prepare for an exhilarating Day 8 at the 2024 Paris Olympics packed with continuous action and thrilling competitions.
02:07 - 02.08.2024
Paris 2024: Team Nigeria Guide on Day 2 Athletics, How To Watch, What To Expect, and Overview
Daily guide and all to know on Team Nigeria athletes participating on Day 2 of athletics at Paris 2024 Olympics.
21:13 - 01.08.2024
Kenya's hopes rest on Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli & Bernard Kibet to win 10,000m gold since 1968
Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli, and Bernard Kibet will have the pressure to deliver Kenya's gold medal since Naftali Temu's exploits at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
18:00 - 01.08.2024
Jamaican hammer thrower vows to continue fight after blundering officials cost her place in Olympics
The 28-year-old athlete's journey took an unexpected turn when an administrative oversight by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) left her off the list submitted to World Athletics.