Uganda's Stella Chesang won the gold medal in the women's 10,000m final in a time of 31:45.30 at Carrara Stadium

Ugandans Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat claimed Gold and bronze respectively in the 2018 Commonwealth Games women’s 10,000m final on Monday.

Uganda’s Stella Chesang won the gold medal in the women’s 10,000m final in a time of 31:45.30 at Carrara Stadium

The duo put up a spirited fight against the Kenyan trio of Stacy Ndiwa, Beatrice Mutai and Sandrafelis Chebet Tuei and Australian Celia Sullhoern.

Stella Chesang of Uganda races to the finish line to win gold in the Women’s 10,000 metres final during the Athletics on day five of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Carrara Stadium on April 9, 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Chesang – who became the first Ugandan to win this particular crown at the Commonwealth games posted 31:45.30 while Chelangat made 31:48.41.

Ndiwa ran a personal best of 31:46.36 to earn Silver.

The race began with Kenyans Ndiwa, Mutai and Chebet Tuei dominating the proceedings. Three Ugandans in Chesang, Chelangat and Juliet Chekwel (finished decent 7th in 31:57.97) followed closely.

Chesang at one point jointly led with Ndiwa while Chekwel seemed to struggle keeping up with the pace.

Australian Sullhoern came into the picture as well as she pushed for a podium finish but the highlight of the race came just after the bell signalling the final lap.

Chesang seemed to have switched into another gear and she started sprinting like no other. The 21-year -old drew quite a sizable distance from Ndiwa as she stormed to the finish line in fashion.

Stella Chesang of Uganda celebrates winning gold ahead of Stacy Ndiwa of Kenya in the Women’s 10,000 metres final during the Athletics on day five of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Carrara Stadium on April 9, 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia.

More drama unfolded around the same time as Chelangat overtook Mutai, Canada’s Natasha Wodak and Sullohern to make third.

Chesang, Chelangat and Chekwel ran to pick Uganda’s flag after the wonderful race as they celebrated victory at the Carrara Stadium.

Bronze medalist Mercyline Chelangat of Uganda, gold medalist Stella Chesang of Uganda and Juliet Chekwel of Uganda celebrate

Deputy Editor at Kawowo Sports. He is an aspiring Sport Psychologist.

Join the Conversation

1 Comment

  1. Reply
Leave a comment

Please let us know what you think