Rwandan distance runners returned from international road races with three medals over the weekend, with Florence Niyonkuru, Adeline Musabyeyezu and John Hakizimana all finishing on the podium.
Niyonkuru opened Rwanda’s medal account by winning bronze at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The result was followed by another podium finish in Italy, where Musabyeyezu won the women’s 21-kilometre half marathon in Udine.
Musabyeyezu completed the race in one hour, 14 minutes and two seconds, finishing 32 seconds ahead of Italy’s Anna Frigerio.
Kenyan runner Nyaboke Nyabochoa was third in 1:20:05.
In Argentina, Hakizimana claimed silver in the Buenos Aires Marathon after finishing second in the men’s 42-kilometre race.
He crossed the line in 2:08:39, 16 seconds behind Kenyan winner Bethwel Chumba.
Another Kenyan, Felix Kiptoo Kirwa, finished third in 2:10:24.
The performances prompted praise from Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who said the results showed the country’s growing presence in international athletics.
“Weekend idasanzwe ku Mikino Ngororamubiri y’u Rwanda,” Mukazayire said in a post on X, describing it as an exceptional weekend for Rwandan athletics.
She noted that Rwanda’s flag had been raised in three cities during international competitions and said the results reflected the country’s growing strength and ability in athletics.
The three podium finishes came at races in Denmark, Italy and Argentina, giving Rwanda a strong showing across three different international events.
