Ugandan runner bounces again from knee harm to take his third world title in Budapest
Not solely did Joshua Cheptegei win his third world 10,000m title on the trot, however he did it regardless of wrestling with knee issues prior to now 12 months.
The Ugandan clocked 27:51.42 on Sunday (Aug 20) to seal a golden hat-trick. His earlier world titles got here in Doha in 2019 and Eugene in 2022 though since his American victory 12 months in the past he has struggled with runner’s knee points earlier than getting again into full coaching in time to defend his crown in Budapest.
“I’m very excited and proud that I’ve achieve profitable my third world title in a row,” he mentioned. “This was the very best technique to finish the season.”
He makes his marathon debut in Valencia in December and suggests he may deal with 26.2 miles on the Paris Video games subsequent yr as a substitute of defending his Olympic 5000m title.
“This could be my final championships on the monitor and that’s why this gold medal means much more. I’m proud that I’ve a tremendous staff round me and with our work collectively we made it attainable.”
Cheptegei is barely 26 however is constructing a resume that locations him proper up there with the all-time distance working greats. In addition to his world 10,000m hat-trick and Olympic 5000m gold, he holds world information for 5000m and 10,000m with 12:35.36 and 26:11.00.
Joshua Cheptegei (Getty)
Cheptegei’s team-mate Joel Akeyo opened a spot on the remainder of the sector within the early phases however he was quickly pulled again because the runners handed midway in 14:21. With temperatures within the stadium 32-33C, Selemon Barega and Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia then had spells on the entrance however Cheptegei moved into pole place with 600m to go because the tempo started to carry.
On the bell Cheptegei regarded in management with Barega wanting like his greatest rival. The Ugandan powered across the ultimate lap, although, seeing off Barega as they entered the house straight.
Realising victory had gone, Barega slipped again within the ultimate metres and was overtaken by Daniel Ebenyo of Kenya within the race for silver in 27:52.60. Easing to victory head, Cheptegei ran his ultimate 800m in 1:53 and 400m in 53.45.
Aregawi was fourth with Bernard Kibet of Kenya fifth and Mo Ahmed of Canada the primary non-African dwelling in sixth.
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