Rwandan athlete Emeline Imanizabayo has made history after becoming the first Rwandan to win a gold medal at the African Athletics Championships.
Imanizabayo clinched the historic title on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after clocking 23:25.92 in the women’s 5,000 meters race during the ongoing continental championship in Accra, Ghana.
The landmark victory marks a major breakthrough for Rwanda’s athletics sector and further strengthens the country’s growing reputation in long-distance running on the African stage.
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, congratulated the athlete for delivering a historic performance and continuing to raise Rwanda’s flag internationally.
“Keep making us proud, Emeline. You are bringing honor to yourself and to our country. The target now is the Olympics and a world medal. You are capable and fully supported,” Mukazayire said.
The Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) also praised Imanizabayo’s achievement, describing it as a strong signal of the progress Rwanda is making in athletics development.
“Emeline Imanizabayo has made history and become a source of inspiration for young athletes across Rwanda. This extraordinary victory reflects the determination, resilience and continued growth of Rwandan athletics at continental level,” the federation said.
Rwanda is represented by four athletes at the championships in Ghana, where competitors from across Africa are battling for medals in various track and field events.
Imanizabayo’s latest triumph adds to an impressive run of performances in recent months. On April 19, 2026, she also secured gold at the Dutch Athletics Championships held in Utrecht after dominating the women’s 5,000 meters race.
Her victory comes just weeks after fellow Rwandan athlete Florence Niyonkuru won gold in the Elite Women category at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru race in India on April 26, 2026, highlighting Rwanda’s growing dominance in international distance running competitions.
The achievement is expected to boost confidence among emerging athletes in Rwanda as the country continues investing in talent development and international exposure in athletics.
