In a heart-wrenching twist that has left the global athletics community reeling, Peruth Chemutai’s boyfriend, fellow Ugandan athlete Collin Chebet, has broken his silence on the Olympic champion’s dire condition following her devastating fall at the World Athletics Championships. The 26-year-old steeplechase star, who was on the cusp of defending her legacy in Tokyo, now faces an uncertain future as Chebet’s emotional plea for prayers sends shockwaves through fans worldwide.

The incident unfolded during the women’s 3000m steeplechase final on Wednesday evening, where Chemutai – Uganda’s golden girl from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – dominated the field with her signature blend of power and precision. Leading comfortably with just two laps to go, she “lost all orientation” at a water jump barrier, crashing violently onto the track in a moment frozen in horror for millions watching live. Medical teams swarmed the scene, stabilizing her neck with protective gear before stretcher-carrying the 24-year-old off the track, her race ending in a gut-wrenching DNF (Did Not Finish).

As Kenya’s Faith Cherotich claimed gold in a blistering 8:51.59, the focus shifted entirely to Chemutai’s well-being. Initial reports from the Uganda Athletics Federation painted a picture of cautious optimism: “We are heartbroken as a nation. Peruth’s brave run ends in pain, but she is in good medical care.” Yet, it was Chebet’s raw, unfiltered announcement late Thursday that shattered the fragile hope. Speaking from his hotel room in Tokyo, the long-distance runner – who has been Chemutai’s rock since their romance blossomed in Uganda’s high-altitude training camps – posted a tearful video on social media.

“She’s fighting, but it’s bad. The doctors say possible ankle fracture from the impact, and they’re monitoring for concussion and spinal issues. Peruth is the strongest woman I know, but seeing her like this… please, pray for my queen,” Chebet choked out, his voice cracking as he clutched a photo of the couple celebrating her Olympic triumph. The post, which has amassed over 500,000 views in hours, ignited a torrent of support from fans, with hashtags like #PrayForPeruth and #ChemutaiStrong trending globally. “This news has me in pieces – she’s our inspiration!” tweeted one Ugandan supporter, echoing the collective anguish.

Chemutai’s journey to stardom is the stuff of legends. Born in the rugged hills of Bukwo, Uganda, she burst onto the scene at Tokyo 2021, clinching gold and becoming the nation’s first female Olympic medalist in the steeplechase – a feat that silenced doubters and inspired a generation of East African runners. Silver in Paris 2024 only fueled her fire, and heading into Tokyo Worlds, she was favored to etch her name deeper into history. Off the track, her relationship with Chebet – a rising marathon hopeful – has been a beacon of normalcy amid the spotlight, often sharing quiet training montages that humanize the elite athlete.

But now, as she lies in a Tokyo hospital bed, the athletics world holds its breath. Officials promise a full update soon, but Chebet’s words underscore the fragility behind the glory. “Ankle injury from the fall, plus contact during hurdles – it’s touch and go,” a Team Uganda insider revealed, noting the double hurdle mishap that preceded the crash. With Uganda’s medal hopes now pinned on teammates like Joshua Cheptegei, the nation rallies around its heroine.

This shocking revelation isn’t just about one fall; it’s a stark reminder of the perils in a sport that demands superhuman resilience. Will Chemutai rise again? Her fans – from Kampala streets to global stadiums – are united in fervent hope. As Chebet urged, “She’s not done yet. Let’s believe.”