Mugisha Rodrigue from Université Lumière de Bujumbura, Burundi, emerged victorious in the men’s 10,000-meter race at the 11th All-African University Games (FASU).
The Burundian athlete from Université Lumière de Bujumbura, Burundi (Bujumbura Light University, Burundi) dominated the race, finishing with a time of 32 minutes, 39.64 seconds.
In an interview after his win, Mugisha Rodrigue shared his thoughts on the victory, “I made efforts to be the first, but it’s not my first time. In our country (Burundi), we organize such competitions between all universities in the country. I have been the first before, so today was not a problem for me because I am used to doing it.”
The athlete expressed his excitement about winning on the African continent, “I am very happy to display (my prowess) here considering it’s on the continent (Africa). It is good news for my country, for me, and for my coach,” he said with a grin, turning to his coach who stood beside him.
Mugisha Rodrigue revealed that the FASU Games was his first international competition.
He also shared his plans to participate in the FISU Summer Games in Germany next year.
“This time, it is an opportunity to prepare our candidate (Mugisha Rodrigue) for that (FISU) competition,” his coach reiterated with excitement.
Mugisha Rodrigue expressed his gratitude for the win, “First of all, I thank God. I thank God for giving me life and for being able to be here (in Lagos, Nigeria) for this (FASU) competition. I also thank all those who supported me during and throughout my journey in this competition. Thank you,” he further stated.
Africa will be rooting for Mugisha Rodrigue as he prepares for the FISU Summer Games, which will be held in Germany from July 16-27, 2025.
Other notable finishes in the 10,000m race included Adama Salam (KNUST) who opted out in the early stages, RajaKomla Lagble (KNUST) who came in second place with a time of 32 minutes, 55.48 seconds, and Patrick Rwechungura James (Mosh Cooperative University, Tanzania) who came in third place with a time of 34 minutes, 1 second.
Written by Ernest Anyanwu, Media Volunteer
