By Javier Silas Omagor
Uganda’s Tokyo Olympic golden duo of Joshua Cheptegei and Peruth Chemutai is spearheading the marriage preparations of fellow athlete Mercyline Chelangat.
Both Cheptegei and Chemutai are reigning Olympic Gold medallists, while Chelangat is the defending double national champion in cross-country and half marathon.
Chelangat is also a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist who has represented Uganda in various international events.
In her exclusive interview with New Vision Sports, the 24-year-old announced that she was getting married on March 28, Monday.
“The champion of my heart, the jewel of my career and closest honest friend I have ever had is coming, making it official on Monday,” Chelangat, the Inspector of Police (IP) excitedly, noted.
Mercyline Chelangat
Now, to support their fellow professional athlete and club mate at Police Club, Cheptegei and Chemutai are rallying runners across the country to support the course.
“Mercyline and her husband need our support like never before. It is time to show them how much we love and care for them. I am personally excited because both Mercyline and I come from Bukwo, so, we are more or less sisters,” Chemutai revealed.
On the other side, Cheptegei was seen holding huge bubbles consisting of various athletes immediately after a morning training session at Boma Ground, Kapchorwa town.
In the hurdle, he implored them to ensure they contribute, attend and emulate Mercyline’s leap of faith.
It should be remembered that Cheptegei himself married his long-time fiancée, Carol Yeko Kamari, in October, last year.
Joshua Cheptegei and wife Carol Yeko Kamari dancing
Other big names who have joined the mobilisation towards Monday’s introduction include World Half-Marathon record holder Jacob Kiplimo and UAF vice-president technical Benjamin Njia, who doubles as Mercyline’s coach.
The lucky man to be introduced is Benson Cheboriot, 32, who hails from Kween district. He is an officer of the Uganda Police Force, holding the rank of captain.
The marital ceremony will take place at Chelangat’s late father Neslon Chepkurui Mondos’ ancestral home in Tulwo village, Rorok Parish, Suam sub-county, Bukwo district.
