Xiamen, China – Uganda’s long-distance athletes continued to strengthen the country’s growing reputation on the international athletics stage as Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai registered back-to-back victories on the Diamond League circuit, while Charity Cherop delivered a new national record performance in the women’s 5000 metres.

Fresh from her success at the Shanghai/Keqiao Diamond League meeting, Chemutai produced another remarkable display by winning the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase at the Xiamen Diamond League in a new meeting record time of 8:51.06. The achievement improved on the 8:51.47 winning time she had posted a week earlier in Shanghai, further demonstrating her consistency, resilience, and dominance in one of athletics’ most demanding events.

In Xiamen, Chemutai remained composed throughout the race before producing a strong finishing sprint to overcome a highly competitive field. Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi finished second in a season-best time of 8:51.54, while Kenya’s Faith Cherotich secured third place in 8:52.53. Her earlier victory in Shanghai had also come in dramatic fashion after narrowly edging Cherotich by just one-hundredth of a second, with Chemutai clocking 8:51.47 against the Kenyan’s 8:51.48. Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani completed the podium with a national record time of 8:58.09.

Speaking after her triumph, Chemutai expressed satisfaction with both the victory and performance, noting that the race was highly competitive and tactical. Meanwhile, Charity Cherop’s new national record in the women’s 5000 metres highlighted Uganda’s growing depth in women’s long-distance running and reaffirmed the country’s emergence as a major force in global athletics.

Uganda Athletics Federation President Dominic Otuchet praised the athletes for their outstanding performances and noted that Uganda continues to compete strongly at the highest level of world athletics.

Beyond competition, Uganda’s international athletics success continues to promote sports diplomacy by enhancing the country’s global image, inspiring young people, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening international partnerships through sport.

Peruth Chemutai celebrates her win in Xiamen