Double Tokyo Olympic medalist Joshua Cheptegei has given away one of his medals to Stephen Kiprotich. Cheptegei has awarded Kiprotich a silver medal that he won in the 10,000m race at the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaking during an event where MTN Uganda rewards the 17 athletes 5 coaches and 3 administrators who made up the Uganda athletics team contingent to the Olympics, the Olympic champion said Kiprotich has been an inspiration for many athletes in Uganda following his heroics in 2012 London Olympics where he won marathon gold for Uganda after 40 years of waiting.
“I thank him for providing inspiration. I am confident I will pick another in Paris 2024,” said Cheptegei while handing over the medal to Kiprotich.
Cheptegei was rewarded Shs50m and Shs25m from gold and silver. He also decided to give away part of his cash prize to fellow athletes. Gold medallist Peruth Chemutai and bronze medallist Jacob Kiplimo received Shs50m and Shs10m respectively.
MTN also contributed Shs100m towards ‘RunWithCheptegei’ campaign intended to raise Shs1.7 billion for completion of training facility in Kapchorwa. This is in addition to the Shs100m that the telecom giants donated to Cheptegei’s foundation back in February.