By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Paris, France – Reigning Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai made a dominant start in her quest to retain the women’s 3000m steeplechase title at the Paris Olympics.
Chemutai won her heat in a time of 9 minutes and 10.51 seconds, the fastest across all three heats.
The 25-year-old Ugandan athlete controlled the lead from start to finish, enjoying the cheers of the crowd at the Stade de France.
“I feel good because the crowd was cheering,” Chemutai said. “I loved the track because everyone was cheering for me. I am looking forward to the finals.”
Chemutai, the fastest this year over the distance with 8:55.09, will return to compete in the final on Tuesday night.
Her dominance in Paris was reminiscent of her heat victory during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Meanwhile, world number Halimah Nakaayi suffered a blow after finishing sixth in the women’s 800m repechage heat, failing to make the semi-finals.
Nakaayi led through 400m but suffered a terrible blow, posting 2:02.88.
Two Ugandans will be in action on Monday, with sprinter Tarsis Orogot and 3000m steeplechase runner Leonard Chemutai making their Olympic debuts.
Orogot will compete in the men’s 200m heat, while Chemutai will run in the men’s 3000m steeplechase heat.
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