By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Ugandan runner Joshua Cheptegei clinched the gold medal in the men’s 10,000m race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event, held on Friday, August 2, saw Cheptegei not only outpace his competitors but also set a new Olympic World Record with an astonishing time of 26 minutes and 43 seconds.
Cheptegei’s victory was a momentous occasion for Uganda, as it marked a significant achievement on the global athletic stage. His performance in the race was an inspiring one, as he maintained a relentless pace throughout, leaving spectators in awe. This new record surpasses the previous benchmarks and cements Cheptegei’s status as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time.
The race also featured a strong performance by Ethiopian runner Berihu Aregawi, who secured the silver medal. Aregawi’s determination and stamina were evident as he pushed through the gruelling 10,000-meter distance, finishing just behind Cheptegei. His effort earned him a well-deserved place on the podium and added to Ethiopia’s rich history in long-distance running.
The Paris Olympics 10,000m race will be remembered for Cheptegei’s extraordinary achievement as he ends his career in athletics with the Paris Olympics games. The new Olympic World Record set by Cheptegei is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the human capacity for breaking boundaries. His victory is certain to inspire future generations of runners.
