Olympics: Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai Wins Historical Gold

Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai has won Gold in the Women’s 3000m steeplechase at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

She came home in time of 9:01.45, Courtney Frerichs of the United States came second to take Silver while Hyvin Kiyeng settled for Bronze.

It is the first medal by a Ugandan female athlete at the Olympics ever!

Uganda has now won three medals at the ongoing games and 10 overall.

Peruth Chemutai clears an obstacle. Courtesy photo

Before wednesday, Uganda had collected nine medals at the Olympics games, all won by Men participants.

Her time of 9:01.45 at Tokyo is the new Nation Record for Uganda at the distance – She erases the previous best of 9:07.94 which set at the 2018 Diamond League in Monaco.

Chemutai ran with confidence and was in cruise control but it was Courtney Frerichs who was in the lead with a lap to go.

Chemutai started the chase and outpaced the American with around 200m to the finish line, beating a strong field that saw World Record Holder Beatrice Chepkoech of Kenya finish seventh.

Peruth Chemutai. Reuters photo

Chemutai, born in Bukwo district, turned 22 years last month. She will be hoping that this the first of many milestones to come in what promises to be a bright career ahead for the humble runner.

She started running in 2013 when she attended the District Athletics Championships in her distict as a spectator.

Her accolades include two silver medals (1500m and 3000m) at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia.

Chemutai also won Silver at the 3000m steeplechase during the 2018 World Junior championships.

Uganda’s Olympics Medal Winners

  1. Eridad Mukwanga – Silver in Boxing (1968 Mexico City)
  2. Leo Rwabogo – Bronze in Boxing (1968 Mexico City)
  3. John Akii-bua – Gold in Men’s 400m Hurdles – 1972 Munich
  4. Leo Rwabogo – Silver in Boxing (1972 Munich)
  5. John Mugabi – Silver in Boxing (1980 Moscow)
  6. Davis Kamoga – Bronze in 400m (1996 Atlanta)
  7. Stephen Kiprotich – Gold in Marathon (2012 London)
  8. Joshua Cheptegei – Silver in 10,000m (2020 Tokyo
  9. Jacob Kiplimo – Bronze in 10,000m (2020 Tokyo Olympics)
  10. Peruth Chemutai – Gold in 3000m Steeplechase (2020 Tokyo).

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