Persistence is without doubt one of the best classes sport teaches. For a lot of athletes, success comes solely after years of sacrifice, setbacks and unwavering perception. Few embody that journey higher than Rwanda's Florence Niyonkuru.
The 25-year-old not too long ago etched her title into the nation's sporting historical past by profitable Rwanda's first-ever Commonwealth Video games medal since becoming a member of the Commonwealth in 2010. Niyonkuru claimed bronze within the ladies's 10,000m on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Video games, crossing the end line in 31:55.47.
She completed behind Australia's Rose Davies, who gained gold, and Kenya's Diana Wanza, who took silver, delivering a landmark achievement for Rwanda's athletics.
But, regardless of making historical past, Niyonkuru admitted the bronze medal was not the outcome she had envisioned.
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“Truthfully, I used to be absolutely ready for that race. It was my alternative to show myself and reward all of the individuals who sacrificed for me, particularly my mom, who supported me from the very starting,” she informed Instances Sport.
“In fact, I’m blissful to complete among the many prime three athletes, however deep inside I nonetheless ask myself why I didn't end first. That feeling motivates me as a result of it jogs my memory that my journey is way from over.”
From Nyaruguru to the worldwide stage
Niyonkuru first captured nationwide consideration after profitable the ladies's half-marathon on the 2025 Kigali Worldwide Peace Marathon, however her dream started a lot earlier in Nyaruguru District.
Born the fourth of six youngsters, she found her ardour for athletics whereas attending Bigugu Main College in Rwanda's Southern Province.
Not like many younger athletes, she didn’t develop up idolising well-known runners.
“Once I was younger, I didn't have anybody I seemed as much as in athletics,” she recalled. “However my mom at all times inspired me. She informed me she had additionally tried athletics when she was youthful. My largest problem wasn't my dad and mom—it was convincing my older brother, who didn't perceive my ardour.”
Her expertise quickly grew to become unattainable to disregard. In 2019, whereas nonetheless in secondary faculty, she was chosen by the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) to take part in a sports activities and cultural alternate programme in Germany.
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The journey proved to be a turning level. Throughout the programme, she met coach Anicet Kanyabugoyi, who now coaches the Sina Gérard Athletics Crew.
Nevertheless, shortly after returning dwelling, her desires had been placed on maintain.
The COVID-19 pandemic halted sporting actions, and at simply 17 years outdated, she unexpectedly grew to become pregnant.
“Travelling overseas for the primary time motivated me much more, however being pregnant caught me abruptly,” she mentioned. “I used to be nonetheless in secondary faculty, and throughout the lengthy COVID break, I grew to become a mom. I even thought of giving up athletics as a result of I couldn't see a future in it, however my mom stood by my aspect.”
Selecting hope over hardship
With the accountability of elevating her son, Niyonkuru turned to welding to earn a residing. Even then, she refused to desert her dream of turning into an elite athlete.
A 12 months later, she contacted Kanyabugoyi in quest of a chance to hitch Sina Gérard.
Her persistence paid off.
The membership welcomed her into the crew and supported each her and her household, permitting her to focus absolutely on athletics from 2022.
Progress got here steadily.
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She completed sixth within the ladies's half-marathon on the Kigali Worldwide Peace Marathon in each 2023 and 2024 earlier than lastly breaking by way of in 2025, profitable the race forward of fellow Rwandan Adeline Musabyeyezu.
“Persistence and onerous work have at all times guided me,” she mentioned. “After profitable the Kigali Worldwide Peace Marathon, I informed myself, 'Why not dream of profitable a medal on the Commonwealth Video games?' That grew to become my purpose.”
She adopted that victory by profitable the seventh version of the 20km de Bugesera race and later claimed the nationwide athletics title.
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These performances earned her and fellow distance runner Emeline Imanizabayo coaching alternatives in Kenya, dwelling to a few of the world's best long-distance athletes, as a part of Rwanda Athletics Federation's preparations for main worldwide competitions.
At this time, that funding has yielded one of many best moments in Rwanda's sporting historical past.
“This achievement didn't occur by probability. Many individuals labored onerous to help me, and I nonetheless consider I can do extra for my nation,” she mentioned.
“I need to honour everybody who nurtured my expertise, particularly coach Kanyabugoyi and Sina Gérard, and show to the world that Rwanda may produce world-class athletes.”
