By Amos Ssemuwemba

In the night of August 2, 2024, the Stade de France hosted one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Paris Olympics: the Men’s 10,000m final. Among the star-studded field was Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, the reigning Olympic champion, and his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo, alongside other top distance runners like Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia and the United States’ Grant Fisher.

Joshua Cheptegei, already a legend in long-distance running, entered the race with immense pressure to defend his title. His previous Olympic performance in Tokyo 2020 saw him take silver with a time of 27:43.63, which was tactical and far slower than his own world record of 26:11.00 set in 2020. However, the stakes in Paris were different. Cheptegei’s preparation was centered on peak performance, and the race did not disappoint.

The race began at a moderate pace, with the lead changing hands several times as athletes jostled for position. In the final kilometers, Cheptegei, known for his strategic running and remarkable finishing speed, made his move. He surged ahead in the last lap, clocking a time of 27:09.19 to secure the gold medal and successfully defend his title. This victory was significant, though it was not close to his world record time; it was a testament to his tactical prowess and competitive spirit.

Joshua Cheptegei posing for a photo with Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia and Grant Fisher of America

Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi pushed hard in the final lap but had to settle for silver. Grant Fisher of the United States ran a smart race, staying in contention throughout and finishing with a bronze, marking a significant moment for American distance running.

Jacob Kiplimo, another Ugandan favorite and a World Champion, was edged out of the medals, finishing in 4th place. Despite a strong effort, he couldn’t match the pace of the top three in the final moments of the race.

This race highlighted the unpredictable and fiercely competitive nature of Olympic distance running, where the finest margins separate champions from challengers. Cheptegei’s victory not only solidified his status as one of the greats in the sport but also added another chapter to his already illustrious career.

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