Ugandan long distance track athlete Joshua Cheptegei claimed his third successive world title in the 10,000 meter race in Budapest, Hungary on Sunday.
In a time of 27:51.42, Cheptegei added to his 2019 and 2021 triumphs in Doha, Qatar as well as Oregon, respectively.
He beat Kenyan Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Ethiopian Selemon Barega, who scooped silver and bronze, respectively.
While he was favorite in the previous two editions, odds were against him in Budapest as he was only trying to settle from the back of a series of nagging injuries.
The victory means Cheptegei equaled one of the greatest runners, Mo Farah of Great Britain on three, as the latter won in 2013, 2015 and 2017 in Moscow, Beijing and London, respectively.
Meanwhile he is only one adrift of Ethiopian greats Kenenisa Bekele and Haile Gabreselassie, who are locked on four world titles.
Cheptegei’s gold also made it the first medal for Uganda in the Budapest edition.
Jacob Kiplimo, who has been a regular fixture among the medals in various competitions, agonizingly missed out on Budapest due to an injury setback.
Courtesy Photos
