Yomi Omogbeja (06/08/2005)

Ugandan distance queen Dorcus Inzikuru has become the first woman to win the 3,000m steeplechase event at an athletics world championships in Helsinki.

Today's triumph gives Inzukuru the first championships gold medal ever for Uganda and only the second medal of any kind for the central African country.

The diminutive 22-year-old claimed the historic inaugural event in a world championships record 9:18.24, lowering her own mark from Saturday’s qualifying round by more than nine seconds.

Russian Yekaterina Volkova took the silver medal in a personal best 9:20.49, ahead of bronze medallist Jeruto Kiptum of Kenya who set a national record with 9:26.95.

Inzikuru was understandably proud of her landmark achievement and and was quick to admit it was a hard won victory.

"I am so greatful to win the first medal ever for Uganda. I have been suffering from some knee injuries, but now I am happy to be able to run again," she said.

"I didn't plan to lead all the way, but I took the position because I don't like running behind others. I like this event and I am going to compete next in Monaco, at the World Athletics Final."

Inzikuru also ran the fastest 2000 metres steeplechase ever at the Milan IAAF Grand Prix, event in June.

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