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Rwandan athlete Emeline Imanizabayo made history on Tuesday after winning gold in the women’s 5,000m during her debut appearance at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old delivered a dramatic late sprint to cross the finish line in 23:25.92, narrowly beating Samia Hassan of Djibouti, who claimed silver in 23:26.34, while Zeyen Ayelegn of Ethiopia took bronze in 23:30.55.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ: New generation of athletics stars shining on the track<\/a><\/p>\n \n Competing in humid conditions, Imanizabayo stayed composed throughout a tightly contested race that saw several lead changes among the frontrunners. Ayelegn attempted to break away with about 250 metres remaining, but the Rwandan responded strongly before producing a decisive finishing sprint to seal victory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The win marked Rwanda’s first-ever gold medal in any event at the African Athletics Championships.<\/p>\n “I’m so happy and overwhelmed with emotions. Before the competition, I told myself I was going to win this, and I thank my coaches for helping me achieve this dream,” Imanizabayo said.<\/p>\n Imanizabayo has enjoyed an impressive 2026 season so far, having also won gold in the women’s 5,000m at the Dutch National Championships in April.<\/p>\n
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