Uganda’s Kiplimo and Cheptegei Withdraw from World Athletics Championships

KAMPALA: Two of Uganda’s most accomplished long-distance runners, Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei, have opted to withdraw from this month’s World Athletics Championships. The announcement was made by the country’s athletics association on Tuesday.

Citing personal reasons, both athletes have surprised fans and sports analysts with their withdrawal from the global competition.

Kiplimo’s Record-Breaking Year

Kiplimo has had a remarkable year, highlighted by his record-breaking performance in Barcelona, where he set a new half-marathon world record with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds. He became the first person to complete the race in under 57 minutes.

The achievement was a source of national pride for Uganda. In addition, Kiplimo secured two gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and previously won bronze medals in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Championships.

Cheptegei’s Accomplishments

Cheptegei, another prominent figure in athletics, participated in the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year, finishing eighth. As a two-time Olympic champion, he won gold in the 5,000 meters at the Tokyo Games in 2021, followed by a victory in the 10,000 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His absence from the World Athletics Championships is a setback for Uganda’s medal prospects.

Reaction to the Withdrawal

Don Rukare, the president of the Ugandan Olympic Committee, expressed his disappointment but urged the public to remain composed.

“We are respecting the personal reasons the two have advanced. Consultations are ongoing to determine the best course of action, and there is no need for alarm among Ugandans and sports enthusiasts,” Rukare commented.

The final list of Ugandan athletes for the World Championships, scheduled for Tokyo from September 13 to 21, remains to be announced.