Winning long-distance races requires tact. Countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya that are good in these races always employ unique strategies in order to be able to get a podium finish.
For Uganda, Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have purely relied on Stephen Kissa’s donkey work as he has consistently and perfectly set the pace for the duo during international competitions.
Kissa specializes in the 5000 and 10000 metres races. He has a quiet and humble personality but he is a solid long-distance runner.
As we celebrate Cheptegei and Kiplimo’s gold and bronze, respectively, we should not forget to applaud Kissa’s contribution during last evening’s 10,000m race at the World Athletics Championships in the US.
Despite finishing last (24th position) after posting 29:21.10, the 26-year-old paved the way for teammates Cheptegei and Kiplimo.
Just like how he did in the 10,000 metres at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Kissa once again set the pace as he kept himself in the lead pack. He created a fast-paced race.
However, he faded as the race went into the last laps. Cheptegei took command of the last laps. Kiplimo, who had slowed, also made his way in the final 200 metres and finished third.
Kissa won his last race in 2018 at the 15-kilometre road race, Montferland Run, in the Netherlands.