Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei Breaks the 5,000-Meter World Record

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei Breaks the 5,000-Meter World Record

Ugandan long-distance athlete Joshua Cheptegei has broken the world record in the men’s 5,000 meters.

The 23-year-old put up an impressive performance to smash the record at the Monaco Diamond League meet on August 14.

This was the first completely in-person Diamond League event of the year following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheptegei ran 12:35.36s, averaging 4:03 per mile to break the record which has stood for 16 years.

Ethiopian long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele held the previous world record, having ran 12:37.35s in 2004.

Reveling in his achievement, Cheptegei said it took a lot of hard work and stay motivated in the wake of the pandemic.

“I think Monaco is a special place, and it’s one of these places where I could break the world record,” the Ugandan runner told Diamond League race organizers.

“It took a lot of mind setting to keep being motivated this year because so many people are staying home, but you have to stay motivated. I pushed myself, I had the right staff with me, the right coach.

“I’m also usually based in Europe, but being based in Uganda with my family was actually really great. I will for sure celebrate the world record when I get home.”

Cheptegei has enjoyed a fruitful last 18 months, having also emerged as the 10,000-meter world champion.

You May Also Like

On Friday night, 2021 Hall of Fame Finalist Paul Pierce made headlines for going on Instagram Live. The former 10-time All-Star was featured smoking,...

The events that led to Paul Piece’s swift exit from ESPN have been buzzing around the internet. Reactions and responses have been coming from...

Football

A video has been released online, displaying a staff member from Eko Hotel having an argument with Joseph Yobo   https://www.instagram.com/p/CTNkVGFoF0E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 15 players were...

Paris St Germain forward Neymar pledged his future to the Ligue 1 champions, saying talks of a contract renewal at the club are no...