Ugandan World Champion Joshua Cheptegei returned back into the country yesterday after breaking the 5,000M World Record in Monaco.
He returned through Malaba border at around midday on Sunday escorted by the officials from Uganda’s High Commission in Kenya and was officially received by Ugandan government officials led by the Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Were Yahaya.
Fans at the Border were filled with immense joy when they saw their hero and took endless ‘selfies’ with the 5,000M Monaco Diamond League Champion.
Cheptegei was in company of fellow athletes Stephen Kissa, Halima Nakaayi, and Winnie Nanyondo who also participated in the Diamond League.
Cheptegei who on Friday shattered the 16-year-old 5,000M world record at the Monaco Diamond League, in France, has missed the mass heroic welcome as he has gone into self-isolation in his home town, Kapchorwa as a mandatory precaution against the deadly coronavirus.
After the self-isolation, the long distance runner will be officially hosted by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe.
Upon his arrival, he thanked the government of Uganda for supporting games and sports in the country.
Cheptegei said as a health precaution for everyone returning to the country, he will self-isolate at his training camp in Teryet, Kapchorwa District for two weeks.
“I will train in the morning and remain in the camp until two weeks elapse then I can fully reunite with my family,” he said.
