Uganda’s campaign at the world athletics championship has been dealt a blow as Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, the renowned long-distance runner, has withdrawn from the 5000-meter race due to discomfort in his foot.
Just four days prior, Cheptegei had achieved a remarkable victory in the 10000m race, successfully defending his title and competing alongside celebrated athletes like Sir Mo Farah from Great Britain, as well as Ethiopian legends Haile Gebrselassie and Kennenisa Bekele.
Benjamin Njia, the coach of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), has confirmed Cheptegei’s unfortunate absence from the upcoming 5000-meter heats. However, the coach has refrained from disclosing specific details about the nature of Cheptegei’s injury.
This setback echoes Team Uganda’s previous disappointment, having already lost another star athlete, Jacob Kiplimo, to a hamstring injury shortly before the team’s departure for Budapest.
The absence of Kiplimo is particularly significant, considering his pivotal role in Uganda’s medal prospects, having won double gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
While Cheptegei’s withdrawal casts a shadow of uncertainty over Uganda’s ambitions, the spotlight now turns to the emerging talent, Oscar Chelimo. Chelimo made a mark by securing a bronze in the 5000-meter event at the 2022 World Championship, becoming a symbol of hope amid adversity.
In that unforgettable race, Cheptegei initially led the pack before being sidelined by injury, allowing Chelimo to seize the opportunity. Chelimo exhibited remarkable strength by surging from behind, overtaking several athletes in the final laps to secure the bronze medal.
During this season, Chelimo’s participation has been limited due to a knee injury, with his sole appearance being in Switzerland.
Despite these challenges, the 21-year-old athlete, who holds a personal best time of 13:00.42 minutes, enters the second heat of the 5000-meter race as a lone contender. His goal is to secure a position among the top eight finishers, which would grant him qualification for the final event scheduled for Sunday.
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