Cheptegei bags gold and Shs 184 million in Zurich

Joshua Cheptegei yesterday took gold in 5,000 metres at the Daimond League in Zurich, Switzerland.

Cheptegei won in 12.57.41, setting a new personal record.

At first, Ethiopians Barega, Telahun Bekele, Hagos Gebrhiwet and Yomif Kejelcha, had run together trying to angle Cheptegei out.

But in the final 200 meters, Cheptegei increased pace and overtook the Ethiopians winning by 0.74 seconds ahead of Gebrhiwet.

The win earned him $50,000 (Sh184 million).

Cheptegei said his victory was the perfect warm-up for Doha World Championships.

“If I go fast, I go fast. On the last lap I thought that I can win the race. I was expecting to win. I believe in myself and this victory gives me even more confidence” he said.