Chemutai wins Uganda’s first gold medal in Japan Olympics

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1922

Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai has won an olympics gold medal in the women’s 3000 steeplechase in Japan. She has become the first Ugandan woman ever to win an olympic medal.

The 22-year-old out-sprinted USA’s Courtney Frerichs on the final lap to win by 20 meters and setting a new national record. Chemutai timed 9min 01.45sec on her way to the top prize.

Frerichs, who had to settle for silver in the second place registered 9:04.79 while Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng came third to claim bronze with 9:05.39.

Meanwhile another Ugandan Winnie Nanyondo had just finished qualifying for women’s 1500 meters finals after finishing fourth just before Chemutai’s success.