Peruth Chemutai won Uganda her first Gold medal in the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday afternoon.

The 22-year old put up a strong finish on the final lap to go past USA’s Frerichs Courtney who had led almost the entire race.

Chemutai crossed the finish line in 9:01:45 to set a new national record of her personal best.

She also becomes the first Ugandan to win a medal at the ongoing Olympics.

Uganda has now won three medals in Tokyo with Joshua Cheptegei (Silver) and Jocob Kiplimo (Bronze) winning the other medals, both in the Men’s 10000m.

Frerichs smiled with silver in 9:04:79 while Kenyan Hyvin Kiyeng finished third in a time of 9:05:39 to take home a bronze medal.

It is the tenth medal for Uganda and the third gold medal in Olympics for Uganda after Akii Bua in 1972 and Stephen Kiprotich in 2012.