Joshua Cheptegei leads heartwarming gesture to honor coach with a new car

Olympic 10,000 metres gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei along with other Ugandan athletes who excelled at the 2024 Paris Olympics has shown immense gratitude to their coach Benjamin Njia by gifting him a brand new car.

The gift, a gesture of appreciation for Njia's relentless dedication and guidance, was presented during a vibrant church service at the Shining Light Church in Kapchorwa, Uganda.

The event, which was attended by an enthusiastic congregation, saw coach Njia overwhelmed with emotion as he received the car keys from his star athletes.

“I was used to a motorcycle, and I’m still thinking about how I will transition to the car," Njia said as per Sebei Nation.

The gesture was a collective effort from Cheptegei and other Ugandan athletes who shone at the Paris 2024 Olympics, including Peruth Chemutai, who won silver in the women's 3,000m steeplechase, and Stella Chesang, who finished eighth in the women's marathon.

It highlighted not just the success of the athletes but the close-knit relationship within the Police Athletics Club which has been instrumental in Uganda's athletic achievements on the world stage.

Cheptegei’s victory in the 10,000 metres where he produced a stunning last 600 metres to finish in 26:43.14 minutes breaking Kenenisa Bekele’s Olympic record by 18 seconds.

Cheptegei is set to receive Shs100 million (Ksh 3.4 million) from the Ugandan government as a reward for his gold medal.

Chemutai will also be awarded Shs50 million (Ksh 1.7 million) for her silver.