Rwanda runner Florence Niyonkuru says she is proud to have represented Rwanda again after winning bronze in the women’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The 25-year-old clocked 1:06:05 to finish third at the second edition of the championships, adding another international medal to her growing collection.
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Reflecting on her achievement, Niyonkuru said she was delighted to have another opportunity to represent Rwanda on the international stage, just weeks after claiming a historic bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"I’m so happy for the opportunity to represent my country again. It’s such an amazing journey, from claiming bronze at the Commonwealth Games to winning another bronze at the World Championships,” Niyonkuru told the press.
The Sina Gérard Athletics Team runner was among nearly 500 athletes from 85 countries who gathered in Copenhagen for the two-day event.
Niyonkuru finished 50 seconds behind Kenyan Agnes Ngetich, who won gold in 1:05:15. Fellow Kenyan Veronica Loleo took silver, finishing 50 seconds behind the champion.
"I hope this will also motivate athletes in Rwanda to work hard so they can also step onto the podium. I also thank the ministry that made all this possible,” she added.
Niyonkuru has built a reputation for consistency since winning gold in the women’s half marathon at the 2025 Kigali International Peace Marathon.
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She later won gold in the women’s 10,000m at the national track and field championships in Kigali before making her mark internationally with another gold medal at the 40th edition of the Lion Races in France.
In April, she continued her strong run of form by winning gold in the elite women’s 10,000m at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru.
Her latest bronze in Copenhagen adds another major achievement to a breakthrough year, further establishing her as one of Rwanda’s leading distance runners.
The 2027 World Athletics Road Running Championships are expected to be held in Yangzhou, China.