Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei claimed gold in the men’s Olympic 10,000-metre race with an Olympic record time of 26 minutes and 43.14 seconds. He outlasted Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi and American Grant Fisher to secure victory. Cheptegei’s powerful last 600 meters helped him break Kenenisa Bekele’s 2008 Olympic record by 18 seconds. A pack of 13 athletes finished the race in under 27 minutes, showcasing the high level of competition in the event.
In the 4×400 mixed relay, Team USA set a new world record of 3:07.41, surpassing their previous record set at the 2023 World Championships. The team displayed a strong performance, leading the race from the middle of the second lap. The French team delighted the home crowd by finishing second in 3:10.60, ahead of Belgium and Jamaica.
The atmosphere at the Stade de France was electric as athletes delivered exceptional performances in both events. Cheptegei’s victory marked the first track gold of the Games, while Team USA’s record-breaking relay set the tone for an exciting day of athletics. The crowd’s enthusiastic support added to the intensity of the competition, with fans cheering on their favorite teams until the very end.
Overall, the performances of Cheptegei and Team USA exemplified the spirit of athleticism and determination at the Olympic Games. The athletes’ dedication and skill were on full display, captivating spectators and making a memorable start to the athletics program at the prestigious Stade de France.
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