Luanda — Uganda’s rising stars continued to shine on the continental stage after clinching bronze and silver medals in athletics at the ongoing African Youth Games in Angola, underlining the country’s growing strength in track and field.
Keren Chelimo delivered an impressive performance to win a bronze medal in the Women’s 3,000 metres, securing Uganda a place on the podium in one of the Games’ most competitive endurance races. Her achievement adds to Uganda’s strong tradition in middle- and long-distance running and signals a promising future for the young athlete.
Uganda also celebrated a silver medal through Baskaline Cherotwo, who finished second in the Under-17 girls’ 1,500 metres race. Cherotwo clocked 4:28.46 to claim silver, finishing behind Ethiopia’s Hana Negesa Bikila, who took gold with a time of 4:26.14. The result marked a strong showing by the Ugandan teenager against stiff regional competition.
Athletics officials and fans have hailed the performances as a testament to the country’s robust youth development programs, with Uganda continuing to nurture young talent capable of competing at the highest level across Africa.
2026 World Cross Country Team Named
Meanwhile, Uganda Athletics has also named the national team that will represent the country at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships scheduled for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
The Senior Men’s team features world-class athletes Jacob Kiplimo, Dan Kibet, Keneth Kiprop, Deogracius Musobo, Dolphine Chelimo and Emmanuel Kibet. In the Under-20 Men’s category, Uganda will be represented by Abraham Cherotich, Jeremiah Kwemoi, Solomon Andiema, Daniel Kiprotich Chelogoi and Dan Kipyeko.
The Senior Women’s squad includes Sarah Chelangat, Joy Cheptoyek, Rebecca Chelangat, Martha Chemutai, Kereen Chemusto and Rispa Cherop, while the Under-20 Women’s team will be led by Charity Cherop, Bentalin Yeko, Nancy Chepkwurui, Felister Chekwemoi and Peace Chebet.
Uganda will also compete in the Mixed Relay event with a team comprising Daniel Comboni, Silas Chemutai, Brenda Chekwemoi and Sylvia Chelangat.
With medals already secured at the African Youth Games and a strong squad named for the World Cross Country Championships, Uganda Athletics is optimistic that the country’s runners will continue to make a strong impact on the global stage.