Uganda’s remarkable performance at the 13th African Games in Ghana continued as they clinched two more medals, showcasing their exceptional athletic talent. Peruth Chemutai, renowned for her steeplechase prowess, secured the silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase event, while Josephine Joyce Lalam added to Uganda’s medal tally with a bronze in the Javelin throw event.
Peruth Chemutai, known for her steeplechase expertise, claimed the silver medal in the fiercely contested 3000m steeplechase event held at the University of Ghana stadium on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Engaging in a thrilling battle with Beatrice Chepkoech, Chemutai surged ahead in the penultimate lap, only to be overtaken by Chepkoech’s powerful final lap surge. Despite the challenging race, Chemutai expressed her satisfaction with the silver medal, stating,”It was not an easy race. I told myself I would make it, especially the silver medal. I’m happy with it. Now, the focus is on the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2024 World Athletics Shanghai Diamond League.”
Clocking a time of 9:16:07, Chemutai finished just behind Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech, the reigning world record holder, who set a new championship record with a time of 9:15:61. Ethiopian athlete Tefera Lomi Muleta secured the bronze medal, crossing the line in 9:16:63. Chemutai’s silver medal adds to Uganda’s Athletics medal tally, joining Halima Nakaayi, who secured silver in the 800m event on March 19, 2024, with a remarkable time of 1:58:59.
In the Javelin throw event, Josephine Joyce Lalam secured Uganda’s third athletics medal at the African Games in Ghana. On her third attempt, she threw a distance of 57.01m, setting a national record and clinching the bronze medal. Lalam, who finished fourth at the 2019 edition in Rabat and won bronze at the 2018 Africa Senior Champs in Asaba, Nigeria, showcased her talent once again. South African athlete Jo-ane Van Dyk emerged victorious, setting a new African Games record with a throw of 60.80m, securing the gold medal ahead of compatriot Van Schalkwyk Jana. Uganda has so far won 13 medals, including 2 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals at the 13th African Games .
