Uganda’s 19-year-old long-distance prodigy Charity Cherop delivered a masterpiece at Hayward Field, storming to gold in the women’s 5000m at the ongoing World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Cherop, born July 4, 2007, executed a tactically brilliant race, stopping the clock at 15:03.88. She outpaced Ethiopia’s Shito Gumi (15:07.91), who took silver, and Kenya’s Joyline Chepkemoi (15:09.08 PB), who settled for bronze, according to World Athletics. The triumph represents a massive upgrade for Cherop, who previously secured silver at the World U20 Championships in Lima.
“Charity Cherop said, ‘Silver was just a warm-up!’ The Ugandan star has upgraded her Lima silver to World U20 gold… From Lima to gold, Charity came, ran, and collected!” the Government of Uganda celebrated on X.
The performance drew high praise from legendary long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei, who won gold at the same iconic venue 12 years ago.
“So proud of this little girl Charity Cherop!! Winning a gold medal from the ongoing World U20 Championships at the historic Hayward Field!!… The future is so bright and we will guide you towards your journey!!” Cheptegei posted on X.
Cherop currently holds world rankings of #32 in women’s cross country and #53 in the 5000m.