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Uganda’s hopes for another medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics have been significantly impacted following the withdrawal of newly-crowned 10,000m Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei and fellow countryman Jacob Kiplimo from the 5000m event.
Cheptegei, the defending Olympic 5000m champion, and Kiplimo were scheduled to compete in the heats on Wednesday at midday. However, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) announced that both athletes have chosen to rest and recover from the demanding 10,000m race.
“We regret to inform the public that Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from tomorrow’s 5000m semifinals due to recovery from the demanding 10,000m race,” UAF stated on its official X account. Cheptegei secured a hard-fought 10,000m gold medal in Paris last Friday, while Kiplimo, exhausted, finished eighth after fading in the final stretch.
“Their bodies need more time to recover,” UAF added.
With Cheptegei and Kiplimo out, Uganda’s hopes now rest on Kiplimo’s cousin, Oscar Chelimo. Chelimo, who won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, is expected to advance to the final scheduled for Saturday.
In light of this development, Uganda will turn its focus to Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai, who will aim to defend her title in the final tonight at 10:14 PM. Additionally, marathon world champion Victor Kiplangat is another strong medal contender, with his event taking place on Saturday, August 10.
