Tokyo, Japan – Uganda’s athletics fraternity is reeling after a heartbreaking moment at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai suffered a devastating fall in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final on Wednesday.
Chemutai, who was leading the race with her characteristic strength and determination, crashed over one of the barriers midway through the race, ending her hopes of securing another global medal. She was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical evaluation.
“Uganda Olympic Committee Peruth Chemutai’s World Athletics Championships chance in Tokyo took a horrific turn when she suffered a horrific fall over the hurdles during the women’s 3000m steeplechase final. Chemutai showed much courage and determination,” said Uganda Olympics Committee in a social media post.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed the nation’s sympathy and support, tweeting: “We are heartbroken as a nation. Peruth Chemutai’s brave run in the women’s 3000m steeplechase ends in pain after a horrific fall at the hurdles. You gave it your all, champion. We stand with you.”
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Faith Cherotich stormed to victory, winning the gold medal in a World Championships record time of 8:51.69. Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, the reigning world and Olympic champion, claimed silver in 8:56.46, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew secured bronze in 8:58.86.
Chemutai, Uganda’s first-ever female Olympic gold medalist, remains a national icon, and the country awaits updates on her condition with hopes for a swift recovery.
