Cheptoek leads Uganda’s Dakar charge with third bronze in 800m thriller

Uganda’s athletics team continued to make its mark at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after Timothy Cheptoek produced a personal-best performance to claim bronze in the men’s 800m final on Tuesday, November 10, securing the country’s third medal at the Games.

Cheptoek clocked an impressive 1:51.59 at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop, improving his previous personal best of 1:55.21, which he had set in Monday’s semifinal. The Ugandan took 3.62 seconds off his previous mark in a determined performance that saw him hold his own against a competitive field.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Abebe claimed gold in 1:48.99, also a personal best, while Eritrea’s Ghebreab Mantay took silver in 1:49.31. Cheptoek finished ahead of Denmark’s Magnus Kofoed, who settled for fourth in 1:52.12, and Kenya’s David Sekento, who crossed the line fifth in 1:53.61 after winning the semi-final in which he faced the Ugandan.

For Cheptoek, the bronze medal was more than just a podium finish. It was an opportunity to deliver on a promise to represent Uganda with pride and make the country known on the international stage.

Speaking after the race, the young athlete expressed satisfaction with his performance, describing the contest as difficult but highlighting his determination to fight until the finish.

“I am feeling very good because I have defended my country. The race was not easy because of the speed they were using, but I decided not to lose hope. I promised that I must make it and defend my country so that it can be well known in the whole world,” Cheptoek said.

Having previously admitted his fear of returning home without a medal, the bronze winner was quick to acknowledge the support he received from Ugandans following his achievement.

“I am going to tell them thank you for supporting me because I know they are watching me live and they keep praying for me. I promise them that next time I will defend our country perfectly,” he added.

Cheptoek’s achievement adds to Uganda’s growing medal collection in athletics, following bronze medals won by Michael Kibet in the men’s 2000m steeplechase and Keren Chelimo in the women’s 3000m.

Athletics coach Ziana Cheptoyek praised the team for its courage, mentality and commitment throughout the competition, noting that the athletes had earned their achievements through hard work and determination.

“I am pleased with the team and the level of courage they displayed in this year’s Olympic Games. They worked for it, and they got it. Their mentality was just at another level,” Cheptoyek said.

She particularly applauded their willingness to fight until the very end, describing their attitude as extraordinary, while expressing confidence in the team’s prospects.

“For the future, to me the future is bright. All they need is to keep working for it,” she added.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s Baskaline Cherotwo also delivered a competitive performance in the women’s 1500m final, finishing fifth in 4:33.75.

Cherotwo lined up against a strong international field, with Ethiopia’s Elsabet Amare taking gold in 4:28.02. Kenya’s Abigael Chepkirui secured silver in 4:29.86, while Eritrea’s Kanari Estifanos claimed bronze in 4:31.10. South Africa’s Lara Stander finished fourth in 4:31.50.

Although Cherotwo narrowly missed the podium, her fifth-place finish added another encouraging performance to Uganda’s athletics campaign in Dakar.

With Cheptoek’s bronze taking Uganda’s medal tally to three, the athletics team has continued to provide memorable moments for the country’s delegation at the Games. Beyond the medals, the personal bests, determination and competitive performances underline the potential of Uganda’s next generation of athletes.

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