Uganda’s long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei has set a new personal best in the 5000m in Zurich, Switzerland.
Cheptegei made it look easy, speeding off from the start to beat the tape in a new personal best of 12.57.41 to win a Diamond Trophy at the $50,000 (About Ugx.184 million) prize that goes along with it.
Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet was second in 12:58.15, with favorite Yomif Kajelcha from Ethiopia only managing 6th in 13:01.38
‘ ‘ Proud moment to win and become the 2019 diamond league champion @WeltklasseZH Thank you Papa GOD for the grace It’s not been easy competing with the best of the world.’’ The excited Joshua Cheptegei posted on social media.
“If I go fast, I go fast. On the last lap I thought that I can win the race. I was expecting to win. I believe in myself and this victory gives me even more confidence” Cheptegei said.
“In Doha I will not compete in the 5k but the 10k. Winning the gold medal there would be special because I have never won a track gold at World Championships. I planned this race and I expected to win. I will train in the mountains of Uganda until Doha and the good thing is that my coach will be there, too.”
