Uganda’s golden boy, Joshua Cheptegei, has been compelled to withdraw from the 5000m men’s event at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, due to a foot injury.
National Coach Benjamin Njia confirmed the unfortunate news, revealing that the injury has rendered Cheptegei unable to continue competing in the 2023 championship.
“The injury significantly affects his foot, making it impossible for him to continue racing in the remainder of the 2023 championship,” explained Njia.
Last year, the three-time world champion and world record holder in the 10000m and 5000m categories found himself in the ninth position during the 5000m finals at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon.
Njia revealed that Cheptegei had incurred a tendon injury during the Heats, an occurrence that transpired while the qualification rounds were underway.
Meanwhile, Oscar Chelimo, who won 5000m bronze at the Oregon 2022 remains the sole Ugandan representative in tonight’s race as Jacob Kiplimo did not also travel to take part in the race due to injury.
So far, Uganda has only one medal at the ongoing event in Budapest, thanks to Cheptegei’s gold in the men’s 10,000m race.