Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei Defends Men’s 10,000m Title

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei is the 10,000 metres world champion. 

Cheptegei Sunday outsprinted Kenya’s Stanley Waithaka to the finish line to successfully defend his title.

The Ugandan timed 27:27.43 to pick gold as Waithaka settled second in 27:27.90 after being tripped in the initial stages.

Kenya improved on its performance after winning a bronze medal in Doha 2019 through Rhonex Kipruto.

Another Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo claimed bronze after clocking 27:27.97. 

Olympic champion Selemon Barega faded in the homestretch to finish a disappointing fifth in 27:28.39 behind USA’s Grant Fisher who timed 27:28.14.  

It was a fascinating race with Ugandan and Ethiopian athletes exchanging leads in the fast-paced race before Cheptegei took the lead in the last lap, sprinting all the way to the finish line.