Uganda’s hopes of getting the first medal at the ongoing Rio Olympics have been revamped as middle distance runner Jacob Araptany qualified for the finals of the 3000metre steeplechase final.
Araptany who was in heat 3 finished second behind Kenya’s Conseslus Kipruto clocking 8:21:52.
Araptany began on a high, hitting the front in the first lap. He kept within the top for the rest of the race but Kenya’s Kipruto geared past him towards the finish line to win heat 3 posting 8:21:40
It was sad news for the other Ugandan in the race, Benjamin Kiplagat who could only finish a distant seven in heat 1 clocking 8:20:25.
Araptany hit the fron in the first race but was overtaken by Kenya’s Kipruto towards the finish line
Araptany will now have to battle against three Kenyans in the finals who are overwhelming favorites to win the category.
The trio of Ezekiel Kemboi (defending champion), Brimin Kipruto and Conseslus Kipruto will be at the fore front in the finals