( CNN ) -- A Ugandan marathoner who won the nation 's first Olympics gold medal in 40 years returned home to a hero 's welcome and a check for $ 80,000 . Stephen Kiprotich , 23 , was virtually unknown in Uganda before he stunned his Kenyan challengers , who were heavily favored to win the marathon during the London Olympics . His unexpected win sparked excitement in the East African nation that won its last gold medal in the Munich Games in 1972 . Throngs flooded the airport to honor Kiprotich , whose win sparked fierce pride as the nation celebrates 50 years of independence . `` I need to salute Kiprotich and those people who helped him to train , '' said President Yoweri Museveni , who had breakfast with him Wednesday at state house in Entebbe . `` This gives us morale boost to organize ourselves better . '' Museveni also presented Kiprotich with a check of Ugandan shillings 200 million ( $ 80,000 ) , according to a statement from the president 's office . He ordered the money be deposited on his account before the close of business and pledged to build a three-bedroom house for his parents in eastern Uganda . `` This medal is from God particularly now that Uganda is celebrating 50 years of independence , '' the president said . The president also pledged to provide more support to Ugandan athletes and build a high altitude training facility for future runners . Kiprotich moved to Kenya 's high altitude Eldoret region to train because of lack of training facilities in his nation . The Ugandan Olympian started off the marathon by trailing behind the Kenyan duo that won silver and bronze , but finished with a big lead . After he crossed the finish line , he dropped to his knees and bowed , draped in a Ugandan flag . `` I have been dreaming , 'Can I be like John Akii-Bua ? ' , '' Kiprotich said after winning. `` I think today I joined the champions , so I am happy . '' The late Akii-Bua won Uganda 's first Olympic gold four decades ago in the 400-meter hurdles .
President Stephen Kiprotich defeated Kenyan challengers , who were heavily favored to win . In addition to the check , the president said he will build a house for his parents . The president also pledges to give more support to Ugandan students .