The 2020 Diamond League in Monaco registered one World Record courtesy of Uganda’s 23 year old Joshua Cheptegei in a remarkable World Record time of 12:35.36 in the 5000m Men’s event last Friday bringing an end to the 16 year old record by Kenenisa Bekele.

’The historic 5000m World Record from the great legend Bekele is broken. I am forever honored to say that he forever remains my role model and idol, respect to you champ.’ Joshua exclaimed. Joshua also holds 15Km at 41:05 and 5Km at 12:51 World Records.

Globally, the media was awash with congratulatory messages to celebrate the world champion’s stellar performance:

The President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Museveni took to his social media platforms to congratulate him ‘Congratulations to Joshua Cheptegei who has set a new 5000m world record at the Monaco Diamond League. You have brought honor, pride and joy to your country. Well done!’

The Minister of Sport, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua equally congratulated the Joshua ‘Congratulation Joshua Cheptegei on a brilliant run! You promised to break the record and kept your word. Amazing run tonight in Monaco.

‘We congratulate Joshua Cheptegei for flying high Uganda's flag at the Diamond League and breaking the record! Special mention to Stephen Kissa the pace maker, and our ladies Halima Nakaayi and Winnie Nanyondo who finished 5th and 8th respectively in the 1000m.’ Read Dr. Donald Rukare, Chairman of National Council of Sports congratulatory message. ‘Huge congratulations to our athletes, the coaches, Uganda Athletics Federation team, a big thank you to the President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri K. Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni, Minister of Sports, Hon. Hamson Obua, folks at National council of Sports and Uganda Olympic Committee. There is that feeling at the base of one’s stomach and throat when you witness a win! Our athletes are very talented and go through a lot to achieve what they do. They are out there on the track doing what they love and we should do everything to ensure ALL athletes reach their full potential. Praise the Lord. I had tears in my eyes watching Joshua Cheptegei for the record at the Diamond League.’ He continued.

The World Champion, Joshua Chepetegei on breaking the world record stated ‘This is the best thing I have ever done.’ ‘I think Monaco is a special place. It took a lot of mind setting to keep being motivated this year. I pushed myself, I had the right staff with me, the right coach. I’m usually based in Europe, but being based in Uganda with my family was actually great.'

In the Women’s 1000m event, Halima Nakaayi finished 5th and set a new National Record at 2:32.12 while Winnie Nanyondo finished in 8th position in a Seasons Best of 2:35.54.

We congratulate the team on the stellar performance in Monaco.

TEAM UGANDA PROFILES:
JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI
• 2019 IAAF World Championships in Qatar- Gold
• 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus- Gold
• 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast- 2 Gold
• 2017 IAAF World Championships in London- Gold
• 2014 IAAF World U20 Championships in Oregon-Gold
• 2015 Africa U20 Championships in Addis Ababa-Gold

HALIMA NAKAAYI
• 2019 IAAF World Championships in Qatar- Gold
• 2019 All Africa Game in Rabat- Bronze
• 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in Isle of Man-Gold

WINNIE NANYONDO
• 2015 World University Cross Country Championships in Entebbe-Gold
• 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow-Bronze