Gold for Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei; silver and bronze for Canada’s Mo Ahmed and USA’s Paul Chelimo

In a thrilling 5,000 metre final, world record holder and former world champion, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, won the Olympic title in the time of 12:58.15. Mo Ahmed from Canada took silver in the time of 12:58.61, while American Paul Chelimo grasped bronze in 12:59.05.

Cheptegei came back after a second-place finish in the 10,000 metres to secure the win. With a world-class field unleashing their furious kicks at the front of the pack and with 200m to go, it was a thrilling race. But Cheptegei’s determination allowed him to lengthen his lead and take the victory on the final straightaway. 

Cheptegei said, “I’m honoured to be a world record holder and Olympic champion as well. After my silver medal for 10,000m, I am very happy and proud to take home this gold medal for 5,000m. Great Olympics for Uganda”.

The battle for bronze was also exciting, as former Olympic silver medallist, USA’s Paul Chelimo dove forward at the line to take the final podium spot from Kenyan Nicholas Kipkorir Kimali. Both athletes approached their limits fighting until the finish line.

Ahmed took a heartbreaking fourth in Rio and sixth during the 10,00m race in Tokyo. His 5000m performance during the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships earned him a bronze medal. The St. Catharines, ON native owns several national records including the 5000m at 12:47.20 from two years ago and the 10,000m at 26:59.35.

Final

Heat One

Heat Two