Sports 6 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Charity Cherop Clinches World U20 5000m Gold in Eugene

Ugandan runner Charity Cherop has won the gold medal in the women's 5000m at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, upgrading her previous silver medal. Her victory was lauded by fellow Ugandan athletics legend Joshua Cheptegei. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/uganda-s-charity-cherop-upgrades-to-world-u20-5000m-gold-in-eugene-5548594

Nineteen-year-old Ugandan athlete Charity Cherop has achieved a significant milestone, securing the gold medal in the women’s 5000m at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene, Oregon.

Cherop delivered a commanding performance at Hayward Field, crossing the finish line in 15:03.88. She impressively outran Ethiopia’s Shito Gumi, who claimed silver with a time of 15:07.91, and Kenya’s Joyline Chepkemoi, who earned bronze after setting a personal best of 15:09.08.

This gold medal marks a substantial achievement for Cherop, who had previously won a silver medal at the World U20 Championships in Lima. The Ugandan government celebrated her victory, noting on X, “Silver was just a warm-up!” and highlighting her progression from Lima to gold.

Her triumph garnered praise from Ugandan long-distance running icon Joshua Cheptegei, who himself won gold at the same venue 12 years prior. Cheptegei expressed his pride on X, stating, “So proud of this little girl Charity Cherop!! Winning a gold medal from the ongoing World U20 Championships at the historic Hayward Field!! The future is so bright and we will guide you towards your journey!!”

Cherop’s current world rankings reflect her growing talent, placing her at #32 in women’s cross country and #53 in the 5000m.