Uganda's Leonard Chemutai reacts after competing in the men's 3000m steeplechase heat of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 5, 2024. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP)

Chemutai Sadly Misses Out On Olympic Medal After Falling In The 3000m Steeplechase

Posted by: Eninu William in Olympics August 8, 2024

Uganda’s only participant in the men’s 3000m steeplechase Leonard Chemutai sadly missed out on an Olympic medal in the 3000m steeplechase. Chemutai was a very promising athlete in the buildup of these games and in the trials.

However, things didn’t go as planned for him in the finals last night. This is after he was stepped on with just less than 500m to go.

The Ugandan fell down and got up to run again. This mishap however saw him finish in the 15^th position with a time of 8:20.03.

“Pretty unfortunate for Leonard Chemutai. He got stepped on after going over a barrier with 480 metres left to complete the men’s 3000m steeplechase final. He fell and stood up to finish 15th. Tough Olympics debut but he’s one for the near future.”

Meanwhile, the race which happened at the Stade De France in Paris city, was won by Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali. The Moroccan managed to defend the title he previously won in the Tokyo games in Japan 4 years ago.

Bakkali, who was winning his 4^th consecutive title globally in the category, had a time of 8:06.05. Kenneth Rooks of the USA was a surprise winner of the silver medal as he posted a personal best of 8:06.4. Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot settled for the bronze medal.

So far Uganda has managed to win two medals. This is a gold medal in the men’s 10,000m event by Joshua Cheptegei and silver from Peruth Chemutai during the women’s 3000m steeplechase.

Out of the 80 participating nations, the East African nation ranks 38^th tied with Caribbean country Saint Lucia. Kenya and South Africa are the leading African nations with 5 and 4 medals respectively.

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