Kiplimo and Cheptegei are Uganda’s biggest bet for medals in Paris
David GOMBE
Uganda’s long-distance duo of Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from the 5000m Olympic race.
The pair were due to take part in Wednesday’s Heats at Stade de France but according to a statement from the head coach Uganda Athletics Faustino Kiwa the pair are fatigued.
“I wish to inform Ugandans that our heroes Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have been officially withdrawn from the 5,000m race due on Wednesday 7th August 2024.”
“This follows their failure to fully recover from the grueling 10,000m race in which both athletes competed on Friday 2nd August 2024. The event left them fatigued with legs and arms muscle pains. Efforts by the Physio Teams to resuscitate the athletes to their full normal form has not been successful.”
“The Coaching staff in consultation with the athletes, taking into consideration the coaching principle “athlete first, winning second”, decided to withdraw them from the 5,000m to give them ample time to fully recover.” Read a statement from Kiwa
Cheptegei and Kiplimo have been doubling in the previous two Olympic games (2016 in Rio and 2020 in Tokyo).
Cheptegei is the reigning 5000m Olympic champion and sealed his legacy with the 10000m title.
He is also the only Ugandan to have won three Olympic medals, two golds and one silver.
Their withdrawal now leaves the onus on 2022 World bronze medallist at the 5000m Oscar Chelimo.