Cheptegei credits his success to God. Photo/@joshuacheptege1
Joshua Cheptegei, who set a new Olympic Record during the men’s 10,000-meter final with a time of 26:43.14, has used his media platform to glorify God, saying when others failed to believe in him, “God said, I got you Josh.”
The 27-year-old withstood surging Ethiopian team tactics to claim gold in the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon at the Stade de France.
“I thank God for His guidance and giving me joy and peace throughout the race, even when others failed to believe in me, God said, I got you Josh.” he wrote on X (formerly twitter), on Monday.
Born under an avocado tree in the village of Cheptendanm in Kapchorwa, Cheptegei was one of nine children. His parents supported his education with their meager earnings — his father a teacher and his mother a peasant farmer.
To young aspiring athletes, Cheptegei said: “When in doubt, trust in God. When weak, believe in Him.”
The three-time world champion dedicated his medal to his wife and and kids, who he called his “all time cheer leaders.”
Joshua Cheptegei celebrates winning the men’s 10,000m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, setting an Olympics record. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
The Paris 2024 Olympics came to an incredible close on Sunday, 11th August 2024 at the Stade De France. Uganda attained two medals; a gold in 10,000m by Joshua Cheptegei and a silver by Peruth Chemutai in the women’s 3000m steeple chase event.
According to Kawowo Sports, the United States of America (USA) will host the next games in Los Angeles come 2028.
