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The track at the 2023 World Championships in Hungary Budapest City was ablaze as Uganda’s long-distance runner, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, clinched gold in the 10,000m race. This victory in Budapest cements Cheptegei’s position in the illustrious company of track legends, having now secured his third successive 10,000m gold.

Cheptegei clocked a time of 27:51:42 to complete a hat-trick of victories following his earlier wins in Doha, Qatar (2019) and Oregon, USA (2022).

Cheptegei’s rise to prominence in the long-distance running arena has been meteoric. Each of his wins has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and sheer athletic prowess. His recent victory in Hungary’s capital was no exception.

The magnitude of this accomplishment becomes evident when one realizes the calibre of athletes who have achieved this feat in the past. Cheptegei now joins the ranks of track and field luminaries such as Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, who dominated the 10,000m scene with golds in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999. Kenenisa Bekele, another Ethiopian legend, continued this legacy, capturing the gold in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009. The sequence was further extended by Britain’s Mo Farah, who held sway in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

The 10,000m race has historically been a showcase of grit, stamina, and strategic brilliance. Cheptegei, with his latest gold, has proven that he is not only a worthy successor to the legends that preceded him but is also carving out a unique space for himself in the annals of track history. His consistent performance underscores the depth of talent and discipline he brings to every race.

While Cheptegei’s triumphs on the track have brought immense pride to Uganda, they also serve as an inspiration for upcoming athletes from around the world. His journey, marked by hard work, determination, and an indomitable spirit, is a testament to what one can achieve with unwavering focus.