World Athletics Championships: Cheptegei a major doubt for 5000m

David GOMBE

Long-distance icon Joshua Cheptegei is a major doubt for the 5000m race at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Cheptegei suffered a toe injury that will keep him out of this year’s 5000 meters ending his dream of becoming a double World champion.

The three time 10000m World Champion has recently struggled with injuries that even forced him out of the Commonwealth Games that were held in Birmingham last year.

On Sunday, Cheptegei produced an outstanding performance display as he became the fourth man in history to win three successive world 10,000m titles.

The men’s 5000m Heats are scheduled for Thursday (EAT 8PM) at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest.

However after his heroic 10000m race, Cheptegei stated that retaining his global title in 10k was the best way to end the season.

“I am very excited and proud that I have succeed in winning my third world title in a row!! This was the best possible way to end the season. I am so proud that I have an amazing team around me and with our work together we made it possible to win for the third time! And fans, thank you so much for all the support.” Said Cheptegei

Despite being doubtful for the 5000m Heats the Ugandan maestro is still listed in Heat Two.

Uganda’s Oscar Chelimo a bronze medalist at the distance in Oregon last year is also in Heat Two.

The best eight in each heat prevail to the Final due on the final of the Championship (Sunday).

Meanwhile, Peruth Chemutai the reigning Olympic Steeplechase Champion cruised to the final which is scheduled for Sunday.

She finished third in Heat 2 after posting a time of 9 minutes and 20.03 seconds on Wednesday.

Uganda’s Tarsis Orogot also advanced to the men’s 200m semifinals due on Thursday evening after finishing 4th in Heat 5 with a time of 20.44 seconds. He cruised to the semis as one of the fastest three across all Heats.

In the Women’s 5000m Heats, Uganda’s duo of Sarah Chelangat and Prisca Chesang finished 13th & 16th in Heat 1 and 2 respectively.