Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo has claimed the country’s first ever gold medal in World Cross Country history thanks to his top finish in Kampala on Sunday.
Kiplimo – who posted 22.40 – raced to the finish line after registering a significant lead off his competitors in the final stretch of the Under 20 men’s race at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Yemane Haileselassie lead through the first lap, followed by the entire Kenyan team and Ethiopia’s Solomon Berihu, but defending champion Amos Kirui stirred the competition when he surpassed all to grab the lead, pushing the pace upfront.
World U20 and 10,000m bronze medalist Kiplimo caught up with the rest before opening up a big gap alongside Kirui.
Berihu and Kenyan U20 Cross Country later rejoined Kirui and Kiplimo but the last lap left the crowds’ jaws dropping as the home-boy ‘slashed’ his opponents left, right and centre.
Uganda’s latest hero – Jacob Kiplimo, 2017 World U20 champion crossing the line.#iaafkampala2017 pic.twitter.com/l03wk88mFY
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) March 26, 2017
Kiplimo eventually crossed the finish line as clusters of Uganda fans erupted in joy and amazement for the achievement.
I congratulate Jacob Kiplimo for winning the men’s Under 20 Gold at the @iaafkampala2017 World Cross Country Championship in Kampala. Kudos!
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) March 26, 2017
Kiplimo joins the league of World and Olympic Marathon Champion Stephen Kiprotich, John Akii Bua who have made strongest statements on the World Stage in Uganda’s athletics history.
