22-year-old Jacob Araptany has qualified for the 3,000 meters steeplechase men’s race in the ongoing Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Araptany came second in his heat in just 8:21.53 minutes and became the only Ugandan so far to qualify for the final stage of this year’s Olympics. Araptany improved his own record from the 2012 Olympics where he came 7th in his heat and failed to qualify.
Going by the current standings after all the three heats, Araptany could win Uganda a medal if he continues with his form. He stands in second place which means he could win a silver medal in the finals on Wednesday.
Despite the joy and hope Araptany has brought Uganda, another of our own Benjamin Kiplagat who ran in the first heat failed to qualify for the finals as he came 6th in 8:30.76 minutes. Kiplagat is 19th overall.
Fingers crossed for Araptany.