In what could be argued as the most grueling track race of the Olympic Games, the 10,000m, it was an incredible showdown in the men’s final as the reigning Olympic champion, world champion, and current world record holder all competed at the Stade de France for the coveted Olympic gold medal.
Uganda’s world record holder, Joshua Cheptegei, emerged victorious in the fastest 10,000m race in Olympic history, finishing in 26:43.14.
With an unprecedentedly quick pool of runners, the first 13 finishers all came in under the previous Olympic record, which had stood since 2008.
“I can’t describe the feeling. I’ve wanted this for a long time. When I took silver in Tokyo 2020, I was disappointed. I just wanted to win the 10,000m,” Cheptegei said after the race.
This race marked the end of Cheptegei’s track career as he announced he would now focus on the marathon.
Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi took the silver medal, just 0.3 seconds behind Cheptegei, after he and his Ethiopian teammates led for much of the race.
“We had a team strategy to push the pace and we showed great teamwork. I am very sad we did not achieve the gold medal as a team,” Aregawi said. However, he was pleased to improve from his fourth-place finish in Tokyo 2020, dedicating the silver medal to his country.
USA’s Grant Fisher secured the bronze medal, finishing 0.02 seconds behind Aregawi.
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