Cheptegei voted 2018 UAF athlete of the year
Feb 21, 2019
Cheptegei, who, however, couldn’t make it to the awards dinner at Sheraton Kampala hotel, beat Jacob Kiplimo (first runner-up) and Stella Chesang to the big prize.
Cheptegei. File photo
Joshua Cheptegei couldn't have asked for a better morale boost ahead of the 43rd IAAF World Cross country Championship.
The double Commonwealth champion and 15-kilometer world record holder was on Wednesday night declared UAF's top athlete for 2018.
Cheptegei, who, however, couldn't make it to the awards dinner at Sheraton Kampala hotel, beat Jacob Kiplimo (first runner-up) and Stella Chesang to the big prize.
Victor Kiplangat who represented Cheptegei received his sh2m for the top prize and sh700,000 for the best senior men's athlete's award.
L-R Italian Ambassador Domenico Fornara, Coach Flavio Pasqualato, Jacob Kiplimo and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member William Blick take a selfie after the Athlete of the Year dinner at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. PHOTO: Richard Sanya
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga presided over the colourful function.
The hosts- Sheraton were also quick to recognize the outstanding performers.
They offered Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo and Chesang two months membership at the hotel's fitness club.
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and State Minister for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi arrive for the Athlete of the Year sinner at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. PHOTO: Richard Sanya
The other awardees were each offered a dinner for two at the hotel's classy Paradise Restaurant. Cheptegei, Kiplimo, and Chesang will be spoilt for choice as they also feature in these winning categories.
Other winners: Record breakers- Musa Isabirye (Prisons) 10.46 secs in 100 meters. Shida Leni (Police) 52.12 secs in 400m, Lucy Aber (Police) 53.80 meters in javelin, Josephine Lalam- juniors record.
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga poses for a photo with all the Athlete nominees that graced the dinner at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. PHOTO: Richard Sanya
International records: J. Kiplimo 10km in 26.41 minutes, J. Cheptegei 15km in 41:05. Youth female athlete of the year- Sarah Chelangat, male- Oscar Chelimo.Male junior athlete of the year- Jacob Kiplimo, female- Peruth Chemutai, senior female athlete of the year- Stella Chesang, senior male's athlete- Joshua Cheptegei.