The Ugandan Joshua CheptegeiOlympic 10,000 meters champion in Paris, has decided give up running 5,000 due to the need to rest after the effort of the first race and will not be eligible to revalidate the distance won gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Cheptegei, who plans to defend the 5,000m Olympic crown won in Tokyo three years ago, has given up on competing in Paris and opened the shortlist of contenders for the title in Paris.
“I am very proud to have won the Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters. I am proud of Uganda. After the Junior World Cup, three world titles and the world record, this gold medal with the Olympic record completes my collection,” said Cheptegei on his social networks.
“After speaking with my team, we have decided that it is better that I no longer compete in the 5,000 meters. Thank you all for the support and we will see you soon,” he concluded.
Subsequently, the Uganda Federation reported that, apart from Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, eighth in the 10,000 meters at these Paris Games, will also not run in the 5,000 meters.
The only Ugandan representative among the 5,000 was Oscar Chelimo.
Source: La Verdad
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