Uganda’s Victor Kiplangat has clinched a Gold medal in the men’s 4km marathon at the ongoing 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The intense competition witnessed Kiplangat and Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase engaged in a gripping duel, maintaining a neck-and-neck battle through the challenging course. Yet, it was Kiplangat’s exceptional athleticism that proved to be the ultimate difference-maker. With a mere 4 kilometers remaining, Kiplangat summoned his inner strength and surged ahead, leaving Gebresilase behind. Demonstrating unparalleled grit, he held onto his lead and crossed the finish line in a remarkable 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 52 seconds.
The win marked Uganda’s second Gold medal of the championship, following Joshua Cheptegei’s triumph in the men’s 10000m.
Furthermore, this marks Uganda’s second triumph in the marathon discipline at the world championship, with the initial moment of glory attributed to Stephen Kiprotich’s remarkable victory back in 2013.
In the realm of Ugandan sports history, Kiplangat’s legacy continues to be written. A testament to his prowess, he achieved a groundbreaking feat in 2022 by becoming the first Ugandan athlete to secure the gold medal in the marathon event at the Commonwealth Games.
His victory unfolded on the streets of London, where he conquered the marathon with a resounding performance as he crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 54 seconds.