Florence Niyonkuru made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Rwandan athlete to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, claiming bronze in the women’s 10,000 metres at the 2026 Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Rwandan distance runner crossed the finish line in 31 minutes, 55.47 seconds, finishing behind Australia’s Rose Davies, who took gold, and Kenya’s Diana Wanza, who secured silver.
Niyonkuru was the only Rwandan competing in the 10,000m event, which featured a field of 14 athletes. Her podium finish marks Rwanda’s first medal since the country began participating in the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
The historic achievement is another milestone for Rwandan athletics, highlighting the country’s growing presence in international long-distance running competitions.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are taking place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth. Rwanda is competing in the Games for the fifth time since making its debut 16 years ago.
The country is represented by a delegation of 10 athletes competing in three sports. The team includes six female athletes in track and field, one male judoka, two male swimmers and one female swimmer, comprising three men and seven women.
Niyonkuru’s bronze medal is expected to boost Rwanda’s athletics programme and inspire more young athletes to pursue success on the international stage, while securing a place in the country’s sporting history as the first Rwandan to reach the Commonwealth Games podium.
