Today’s hopes for another Olympic medal for Uganda rest on the shoulders of Sarah Chelangat and Annet Chemengich Chelangat as they prepare to compete in the Women’s 10,000m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics tonight.
The race, which will kick off at 9:57 pm at the iconic Stade de France, promises to be an epic showdown.
The absence of Joy Cheptoyek due to injury leaves Uganda with just two representatives in this highly-anticipated race, but both Sarah and Annet are determined to make their mark.
The pair, who share not only a surname but also a fierce competitive spirit, will carry the nation’s expectations as they line up against some of the world’s best long distance runners.
Sarah Chelangat, 23, enters the final with a strong record, having set a new Ugandan National Record earlier this year at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
Her time of 30:24.04 in the 10,000m has established her as one of the top contenders in tonight’s race.
31-year old Annet Chemengich also brings a wealth of experience to the competition, having competed in numerous international events over the years.
The Chelangat duo will be competing against a number of talented athletes, including Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay who has season’s best time of 29:05.92, and a Kenyan duo of Lillian Kasait Rengeruk and Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi.
Other strong contenders include Megan Keith of Great Britain, Weini Kelati Frezghi of the United States, and Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay and Tsigie Gebreselama, who have both posted impressive times this season.
Heading into tonight’s final, Sarah and Annet are both motivated and inspired by the recent success of their compatriot Joshua Cheptegei, who gold in the Men’s 10,000m event on August 2.
Uganda has so far won two medals at this year’s Olympics, courtesy of Cheptegei’s Gold, and Peruth Chemutai, who won Silver in the Women’s 3000 metres steeplechase on August 6.
