
Breaking: The Paris 2024 Olympics, Uganda’s hopes for another medal in the 5000m event have suffered a significant blow. Joshua Cheptegei, the reigning Olympic 5000m champion, and his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from the heats scheduled for Wednesday at midday, as confirmed by the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).
The federation announced via their official X account that the decision was made to allow both athletes adequate time to recover from their recent exertions in the 10000m race. Cheptegei, who triumphed in a grueling 10000m final last Friday to secure gold, and Kiplimo, who finished eighth in that race, will not be competing in the 5000m semifinals.
“We regret to inform the public that Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have withdrawn from tomorrow’s 5000m semifinals due to recovery from the demanding 10000m race,” the UAF posted. They further explained that both athletes’ bodies require additional time to recuperate from their recent performances.
With Cheptegei and Kiplimo out of the 5000m event, Uganda’s sole representative in the heats will be Oscar Chelimo, Kiplimo’s cousin. Chelimo, who won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, is now expected to carry the nation’s hopes in the 5000m final scheduled for Saturday.
As Uganda adjusts its strategies, the focus will shift to Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai, who will be competing tonight at 10:14 pm to defend her title. Additionally, marathon world champion Victor Kiplangat is set to run on Saturday, August 10, as Uganda looks to add to its medal tally in Paris.