Joshua Cheptegei Makes Promise to Charity Cherop After Ugandan Teen Sensation Strikes Gold at World U20 Championships

Uganda’s long distance great Joshua Cheptegei has showered praise on Charity Cherop after the 19-year-old won gold in the 5000m at the 2026 World U20 Championships in Oregon, USA on Thursday.

Cherop won Uganda’s first gold on the opening day of competition, clocking 15:03.88 after celebrating on her way to the finish line to improve on the silver medal she claimed over the distance two years ago.

As well as being a silver medallist from the last World U20 Championships in Lima, the 19-year-old also got world U20 cross-country bronze in January.

Shito Gumi was listed second behind Cherop on the entry list and the race went to the form book as the Ethiopian finished four seconds behind the winner to earn silver in 15:07.91. Taking bronze was Kenya’s Joyline Chepkemoi who improved her personal best by almost half a minute to 15:09.08.

Chepetgei, who has watched Cherop rise from strength to strength, was in awe of one of Uganda’s emerging long-distance runners, promising to help sharpen her into a world-beating athlete.

“So proud of this little girl Charity Cherop!! Winning a gold medal from the ongoing @WAU20Champs at the historic Hayward field!! where I won gold in the same stadium 12 years ago!!” Cheptegei posted on X.

“The future is so bright and we will guide you towards your journey!! Bravo. We pray for more grace all through. Uganda to the world!!”

The 5000m may not be the only opportunity for Cherop to win silverware this week as she is also entered for the 3000m on Saturday, giving her a chance to complete a double.