Eugene, USA: Uganda’s long-distance runner, Charity Cherop, added a second medal to her impressive campaign at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, after winning bronze in the women’s 3000m in Eugene, Oregon.
Cherop clocked 8:45.59 to finish third, adding the bronze medal to the 5000m gold she won earlier in the championship.
Ethiopia’s Yordanos Tsigab claimed gold in a personal best of 8:43.65, while compatriot Shito Gumi took silver in 8:45.06.
Cherop stayed with the leading group of nine runners during the early stages before making her move with 1,000 metres remaining.
Her surge reduced the field to four runners before the race narrowed further to three as the athletes entered the final stages.
The Ugandan attempted to break away from the two Ethiopians but could not shake them off.
Tsigab produced a strong final kick on the last lap to move past Cherop and take the gold medal.
Cherop fought to retain second place but Gumi overtook her with about 10 metres remaining, leaving the Ugandan with bronze.
The podium finish gives Cherop two medals at the championship and makes her Uganda’s most decorated athlete at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, with one gold and one bronze.
Her 5000m victory came earlier in the competition when she clocked 15:03.88, becoming the first Ugandan woman in more than 25 years to win gold at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
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