Shaoxing, China — Ugandan athletes Halima Nakaayi and Kenneth Kiprop delivered standout performances at the 2025 Shanghai/Keqiao Diamond League, bringing pride and renewed momentum to Uganda’s athletics scene.
In the women’s 800m final, Halima Nakaayi, Uganda’s 2019 World Champion, powered to a bronze medal, clocking 1:58.39 on Saturday, May 3, at the China Textile City Sports Centre in Keqiao, Shaoxing in China.
The fiercely contested race was won by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, who set a national and meet record of 1:56.64, followed by Sarah Billings of Australia, who claimed silver with a personal best of 1:57.83.
Meanwhile, in the men’s 5000m final, Kenneth Kiprop produced a jaw-dropping performance, finishing fifth with a new personal best of 13:00.49. Despite facing a field dominated by Ethiopian long-distance greats, Kiprop’s run was a testament to his relentless drive and potential.
Berihu Aregawi led an Ethiopian sweep of the top three positions, winning in 12:50.45, followed closely by Kuma Girma (12:50.69) and Mezgebu Sime (12:51.86). Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir came in fourth with a time of 12:56.81.
Another Ugandan, Emmanuel Kibet, finished 15th in the same race, posting a time of 13:27.91.
The Uganda Athletics Federation hailed both Nakaayi and Kiprop for their performances, with special praise for Kiprop’s record-breaking effort, calling it “a phenomenal achievement and a true testament to hard work and determination from a young lad.”
East African Dominance Across Events
The results from Shanghai underscore the depth of talent in East African athletics and reaffirm Uganda’s rising status on the global track stage.
Shanghai’s 2025 Diamond League also highlighted East Africa’s stronghold in endurance races: Kenya swept the men’s 3000m steeplechase podium while Ethiopia ruled the men’s 5000m, capturing all three medals in a display of sheer dominance.