Athletics: Ese Urwibutso welcomes Rwanda athletes after historic African Championships triumph

Sina Gerard Athletics Club welcomed back its athletes who represented Rwanda at the 2026 African Athletics Championships held in Accra, Ghana, from May 12 to 17.

Following their return to Kigali International Airport on May 18, the athletes received a warm welcome from Sina Gerard Athletics Club and officials from the Rwanda Athletics Federation.

Club secretary and Ese Urwibutso sports director Nkundimana Theogene praised the athletes for bringing pride to Rwanda and thanked club founder Sina Gerard for continuously investing in sports development.

Sina Gerard/Ese URWIBUTSO is an international owned and managed by Dr. SINA Gerard. It is oriented towards agro-processing industry sector.

The company is located at Nyirangarama in Rulindo District, Northern Province.

Gold medallist Emeline Imanizabayo said the competition was very challenging but credited teamwork and faith for their success.

“The competition was not easy, but with God’s help we succeeded. We thank the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, for his role in promoting sports. I also thank our coaches, including Kanyabugoyi Anicet and Ndacyayisenga Peter, as well as our doctor, Ndikumana Eric, for the support, which contributed to our victory,” she added

Rwanda celebrated a historic breakthrough at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships after Emeline Imanizabayo became the first Rwandan athlete ever to win a gold medal at the continental competition.

The championships, held from May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Accra, brought together athletes from 54 African nations for the 24th edition of Africa’s premier athletics event.

Rwanda was represented by four athletes competing in different disciplines: Emeline Imanizabayo, Florence Niyonkuru, Magnifique Mutesiwase and Honorine Iribagiza.

Emeline Imanizabayo made history by winning Rwanda’s first-ever gold medal at the African Athletics Championships after claiming victory in the women’s 5000m final in 23:25.92 in Accra, Ghana.

Her triumph sparked celebrations among Rwandan sports fans and marked a major milestone for the country’s athletics development.

Rwanda added another medal through Florence Niyonkuru, who secured silver in the women’s 10,000m race with a time of 31:43.73, finishing behind Kenya’s Diana Wanza and ahead of Ethiopia’s Asefu Abrha Kiros.

Niyonkuru had already shown strong form earlier this year after winning the Bangalore 10,000 race in India.

Rwandan athletics officials believe the medals represent the beginning of a new era for the sport in the country.

With talented young athletes continuing to emerge and improved investment in athletics development, many now hope Rwanda could eventually challenge for medals at future World Championships and Olympic Games.

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