On a humid night in Valencia, Spain, under the bright lights of the Turia Stadium, Uganda’s golden son, Joshua Cheptegei, etched his name deeper into the annals of athletics history. On October 7, 2020, the long-distance running legend shattered yet another world record, this time in the 10,000 metres, with a breathtaking time of 26:11.00. This monumental achievement not only broke Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele’s 15-year-old mark of 26:17.53 but also cemented Cheptegei’s status as one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
For Ugandans, this moment was more than just a record—it was a testament to the resilience, talent, and determination that define our nation’s athletic spirit. Cheptegei, born in the high-altitude village of Kapchorwa, had long dreamed of challenging the giants of the sport. His journey began on the rugged trails of Mount Elgon, where he transitioned from football and long jump to distance running after his natural endurance and graceful stride caught the eye of his coach, Benjamin Njia. From those humble beginnings, he rose to become a global icon, holding world records in both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres—a feat achieved by only a select few in history.
The Valencia race was no ordinary event. Organized as the NN Valencia World Record Day, it was a stage set for greatness, and Cheptegei delivered. With the help of expert pacemakers and his unwavering focus, he maintained a metronomic pace, each lap a statement of intent. As the final laps unfolded, the stadium buzzed with anticipation. Cheptegei surged ahead, his lime green Nike spikes flashing under the lights, a blur of speed and precision. When he crossed the finish line, the clock stopped at 26:11.00—a time that silenced doubters and thrilled fans worldwide. It was a performance so dominant that it left even his rivals in awe.
This wasn’t Cheptegei’s first dance with history. Just months earlier, in August 2020, he had stunned the world at the Wanda Diamond League meet in Monaco, breaking Bekele’s 16-year-old 5,000 metres world record with a time of 12:35.36. That victory, cheered on by thousands despite the challenges of the global pandemic, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. But the 10,000 metres record in Valencia was different—it was a personal triumph, a moment where he outran not just his competitors but also the ghosts of past legends.
For the Uganda Athletics Federation, Cheptegei’s achievements are a source of immense pride and inspiration. His records are not just numbers; they are a beacon for young athletes across the country. From the training camps of Kapchorwa to the international stage, he embodies the potential of Ugandan talent. His collaboration with the Uganda National Police and his role in initiatives like the Elgon Half Marathon—where he works to protect the environment, support education, and combat gender-based violence—show that his impact extends far beyond the track.
After his Valencia triumph, Cheptegei reflected on the significance of the moment: “This is just the foundation of what is to come,” he said, his eyes alight with ambition. True to his word, he continued to soar, winning Olympic gold in the 10,000 metres at the 2024 Paris Games with a new Olympic record of 26:43.14, and defending his world titles with the same relentless drive.
Joshua Cheptegei is more than a record-setter; he is a symbol of what Uganda can achieve. His story inspires our youth to believe in themselves, to train hard, and to chase their dreams with the same fiery passion he brings to every race. As the Uganda Athletics Federation, we celebrate his legacy and look forward to the day when more of our athletes follow in his footsteps, carrying the Ugandan flag high on the global stage.
