In a thrilling finale at the Stade de France, Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda set a new Olympic record in the men’s 10,000m, claiming gold with a remarkable time of 26:43.14 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Cheptegei’s record-breaking performance solidified his status as one of the world’s premier long-distance runners.
The race saw a competitive lead pack of 13 runners with four laps remaining. As the pace intensified, France’s Jimmy Gressier was the first to drop off. With two laps to go, more athletes struggled to keep up, leaving a tight group vying for the podium.
Cheptegei, known for his world record in the event, strategically moved to the front as the bell rang for the final lap. Displaying his exceptional endurance and speed, he managed to open a crucial gap, despite a strong challenge from Grant Fisher of the USA.
As they approached the finish line, Cheptegei maintained his lead, crossing the line in 26:43.14 to set a new Olympic record. Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi followed closely, taking silver with a time of 26:43.44. Grant Fisher claimed bronze, finishing just 0.02 seconds behind Aregawi.
This victory marks another significant achievement in Cheptegei’s illustrious career, adding an Olympic gold to his world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m. His performance at Paris 2024 further cements his legacy as a dominant force in long-distance running.
Sources:
