Uganda’s aspirations at the upcoming World Championships have suffered a significant setback as Jacob Kiplimo, a prominent long-distance runner, has been forced to withdraw from the event due to a hamstring injury.
The Uganda Athletics Federation-UAF confirmed this unfortunate turn of events through an official press statement. According to the statement, the injury was incurred on August 1st during a training session at the high-altitude location of Kapchorwa in Eastern Uganda. The injury report specifies that Kiplimo sustained an acute injury to his right hamstring, requiring several additional weeks of recovery. The medical assessment further notes that he will be unable to engage in optimal training over the next one to two months. The Uganda Athletics Federation released an excerpt from the medical report, sharing these details.
Kiplimo’s absence presents a significant setback for Uganda’s long-distance team and the overall contingent, which is now reduced to a total of 20 athletes. Kiplimo had originally intended to participate in both the 5000m and 10000m events alongside his long-standing colleague Joshua Cheptegei. Notably, Kiplimo secured a bronze medal in the previous iteration of the world championships held in Oregon, USA.
Particularly noteworthy is Kiplimo’s significant role in Uganda’s medal prospects at the Budapest event. He had previously secured two gold medals (in the 5000m and 10000m events) at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a competition from which Cheptegei was absent due to injury.
Kiplimo’s absence leaves a notable void and places additional pressure on Joshua Cheptegei to collaborate with the remaining athletes in order to form a formidable team capable of competing against the top contenders in the field of long-distance running.
In the 10000m event, Cheptegei will partner with Joel Ayeko and Rogers Kibet. Meanwhile, in the 5000m event, Cheptegei will be joined by Oscar Chelimo, Kiplimo’s compatriot and sibling. Oscar Chelimo himself achieved an admirable feat, securing a bronze medal in the 5000m race during the 2022 world championships.
Here is the updated list of participating athletes:
Men:
- Tarsis Orogot – 200m
- Dradriga Tom – 800m
- Salim Mayanha – 1500m
- Leonard Chemutai – 3000m steeplechase
- Oscar Chelimo – 5000m
- Joshua Cheptegei – 5000m and 10000m
- Rogers Kibet – 10000m
- Joel Ayeko – 10000m
- Stephen Kissa – Marathon
- Victor Kiplangat – Marathon
- Rotich Andrew – Marathon
Women:
- Halima Nakaayi – 800m
- Winnie Nanyondo – 1500m
- Peruth Chemutai – 3000m steeplechase
- Sarah Chelangat – 5000m and 10000m
- Prisca Chesang – 5000m
- Stella Chesang – 10000m
- Doreen Chesang – Marathon
- Rebecca Cheptegei – Marathon
- Mercyline Chelangat – Marathon
By F Muganga
