Florence Niyonkuru made history on Monday by becoming the first Rwandan athlete to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, claiming bronze in the women’s 10,000 meters at the 2026 Games in Glasgow.
Niyonkuru finished third in 31 minutes, 55.47 seconds, earning Rwanda its first-ever medal at the Commonwealth Games since the country joined the Commonwealth in 2009 and made its Games debut the following year.
Australia’s Rose Davies won the race in 31:39.47 to take gold, while Kenya’s Diana Wanza secured silver in 31:50.47, finishing five seconds ahead of Niyonkuru.
The medal is the latest achievement in a breakthrough season for the 25-year-old distance runner. Earlier this year, she captured gold in the women’s 10,000 meters at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru in India, further cementing her status as one of Rwanda’s leading long-distance athletes.
Niyonkuru prepared for the Commonwealth Games by training for two months alongside fellow Rwandan runner Imanizabayo Emeline under coach Jean Pierre Ndacyayisenga. The pair skipped the Kigali International Peace Marathon in June to focus on the Games.
Rwanda is competing at the Commonwealth Games for the fifth time with a delegation of 10 athletes, including five track and field competitors. Besides Niyonkuru and Imanizabayo, the athletics team includes Iribagiza Honorine, Uwitonze Claire and Umutesiwase Magnifique.
The country is also represented in swimming by Ntwali Jayden, Murenzi Sheja Kean and Echessah Axela Marta. Ntwali and Echessah both placed fifth in their butterfly events.
Before Monday’s historic performance, Rwanda’s only medal in a Commonwealth competition came at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas, where beach volleyball players Munezero Valentine and Musabyimana Penelope won bronze.
Niyonkuru’s podium finish marks a milestone for Rwandan athletics and adds another chapter to the country’s growing success on the international sporting stage.
