Uganda’s chances of securing another medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Games have taken a hit as newly-crowned 10,000-meter Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei and fellow star Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from the 5,000-meter event.
Cheptegei, the reigning Olympic 5,000-meter champion, and Kiplimo were scheduled to compete in the heats on Wednesday. However, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) announced that both athletes have decided to rest and recover from their recent efforts.
“We regret to inform the public that Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from tomorrow’s 5000m semifinals due to recovery from the demanding 10000m race,” UAF posted on its official X account.
Cheptegei clinched a hard-fought gold medal in the 10,000-meter race last Friday, while Kiplimo, exhausted, finished eighth after a valiant effort. The UAF noted that “their bodies need more time to recover.”
With their withdrawal, the focus now shifts to Kiplimo’s cousin, Oscar Chelimo, who will represent Uganda in the 5,000-meter event. Chelimo, a bronze medallist at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, is a strong contender to advance to the final, scheduled for Saturday.
In addition to Chelimo, Uganda’s hopes rest on Olympic 3,000-meter steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai, who will defend her title tonight at 10:14 pm. The nation also looks forward to marathon world champion Victor Kiplangat’s race on Saturday, August 10.
