The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has officially flagged off Ugandan World champion Joshua Cheptegei who is destined for Czech Republic for the Ostrava Golden Spike slated for Wednesday, 19th May 2021.
Cheptegei, who is fondly referred to as the ‘Silverback’ of the Pearl of Africa, took on a voluntary Ambassador role for Destination Uganda.
A silverback is the alpha male in the gorilla family – and Cheptegei, has since February this year, served as the brand ambassador for destination Uganda – the global renowned home of gorillas in the world.
While in the European Nation, the dominant Silverback who is new to this competition says he will attempt to break the world record in 3,000 m.
“I want to use this competition to sharpen my speed ahead of Olympics,” said Cheptegei.
Cheptegei is the tenth man in history to hold the 5,000 m and 10,000 m world records concurrently, both of which he set last year in 2020.
Pearl Bank Celebrates Customers in Festive Campaign Dubbed Pearl SantaJoshua Cheptegei was the winner of the senior men’s race at the 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark.
He won in 31:40 on the 10.24 km course.
UTB’s Marketing Manager, Claire Mugabi says UTB is confident that Cheptegei will market Uganda as the region’s safest destination.
“We believe he has the strength to win which is why we named him Silverback,” said Mugabi.
