Uganda's Joshia Cheptegei is determined to win gold in the Men's 10,000m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, having claimed a silver medal in the distance at Tokyo 2020.
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Cheptegei, who hails from Kapsewui, in the Kapchorwa District, is the current world record holder for the Men’s 5000m and 10,000m, and holds the world best time over the 15km (road race) distance. Cheptegei is also the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000m and the reigning three-time World Champion in the 10,000m.
“What is most important is being a healthy athlete. Being focused and having the right things together in place, especially being in the right shape, right mentality, and also the right atmosphere,” said Cheptegei of his ability to set new marks in long-distance running.
The 27-year-old plans on moving to the Marathon distance in the future – and made his official debut at 42km in Valencia last year – but has his focus set on winning the 10,000m title in Paris.
“2024, it’ll be 10 years running internationally,” said Cheptegei. “Ten years at a high level. I'm still in love with the 10,000m, the special distance. I still want to go to Paris and win.”
Only Kenenisa Bekele and Haile Gebrselassie have won more world 10,000m titles than Cheptegei. Both won two Olympic golds in the event. Cheptegei will head to the French capital determined to join their club – and inspire Ugandan youngsters in the process.
“I told my management that I wanted to go back home and build a running culture, and to inspire the young generation here in Uganda,” he explained.
And moving away from track running will allow up-and-coming talent to follow in his footsteps: "Looking back to when I really started my breakout in 2017, I have had some really good races on the track. And right now, I am getting ready for Paris.
“But I believe this will be the last time I do track at the Olympics. I need to pave [the] way for the younger athletes coming through who are really good.”
The Men’s 10,000m final will be held on the track at the Stade de France on the evening of Friday 2 August.