August 20, (THEWILL) – Athletes from across Africa have been making the continent proud at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Heading into the event after an injury-disrupted build-up, doubts lingered whether Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei was in form to challenge for a third straight 10,000m world title. But the Ugandan dispelled any concerns in impressive fashion on Sunday night, surging on the final 25 laps to storm to another victory over the distance in 27:51.42.
The world record holder led home a top five of Africans with Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo taking silver and Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega bronze. While Cheptegei has achieved it all, 20-year-old Letsile Tebogo of Botswana brought glory to his burgeoning career, seizing 100m silver and setting a national record of 9.88 seconds.
“The one thing I’ve learned is you must be mentally and emotionally prepared. If anything distracts you, you can go home,” a delighted Tebogo said afterwards.
There was heartbreak for South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who false started in the 100m semifinals. Usually known for slow starts, a crestfallen Simbine said he had never false started at championships previously. More success for African athletes is anticipated as the action continues in Budapest.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
