Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei gifted land by former FIFA referee

Ugandan Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei is still enjoying the fruits of his hard work months after the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Apart from the lucrative prize monies, the long-distance runner has been awarded a 10-acre piece of land by former FIFA referee Muhammed Ssegonga.

The gesture, announced at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel in Uganda on Friday, acknowledges Cheptegei’s unwavering excellence and contribution to Uganda’s sporting legacy.

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The announcement came during a send-off dinner held in honour of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The land donated to Cheptegei is in the Nakasongola district and is intended to establish an Olympic Village in honour of Cheptegei and will serve as one of his legacy projects and an inspiration for future generations.

Ssegonga, who officiated two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2010 final, expressed his admiration for Cheptegei’s accomplishments.

“I have always loved to appreciate someone extraordinary for the good deeds when he or she is still alive. I donate 10 acres of land to our athlete Joshua Cheptegei for the great service executed.

The land title is here and should be transferred into his name at any time earliest next week,” he said while handing over the title deed.

Cheptegei, a three-time world champion in the 10,000 meters, has cemented his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history.

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Known for his world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, the 28-year-old clinched gold at the Paris Olympics, finishing the 10,000m race in 26:43.14—shattering Kenenisa Bekele’s 2008 Olympic record by a staggering 18 seconds.

His dominant performance saw him cross the finish line ahead of Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi and the USA’s Grant Fisher, solidifying his position at the pinnacle of the sport.

This remarkable feat adds to Cheptegei’s illustrious career, which includes gold and silver medals from the Tokyo Olympics and two Commonwealth Games golds in the 5,000m and 10,000m in 2018.

Cheptegei’s resilience and strategy, particularly his powerful kick in the last 600 meters, have earned him accolades as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.