Uganda’s best athletes, Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from the 5,000 metre men’s Olympics race following exhaustion from the recently concluded 10,000 metre race due to take place tomorrow.
The duo’s withdrawal was confirmed by the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, having been informed by the Uganda Athletes Federation.
“We have been informed by the technical team of Uganda Athletics Federation Uganda Athletics Federation that due to exhaustion of the athletes following the 10,000m race, both Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have been regrettably withdrawn from the 5,000m race,” Minister Ogwang revealed.
Ogwang said that the ministry respects their decision because the physical and mental health of athletes is paramount.
Uganda will be represented by only Oscar Chelimo, the 2022 World Athletics Championships Bronze medalist.
“Let us put all our support on Oscar Chelimo who will participate in the 5,000m race tomorrow, Wednesday. We wish Cheptegei and Kiplimo a full and quick recovery and wish the rest of Team Uganda the best of luck in the remaining events,” Ogwang said.
Last Friday Joshua Cheptegei broke a record and won the gold medal of 10,000 metre race and is the first-ever Ugandan to win this competition twice with a gold crown.
“We regret to inform the public that Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from tomorrow’s 5,000m semi-finals due to recovery from the demanding 10,000m race. Their bodies need more time to recover. Consequently, Oscar Chelimo will represent us alone,” Uganda Athletes Federation announced.
