Cheptegei suffers injury in Budapest, withdraws from 5000m

Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda reacts after the men s 10000m at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar | IMAGO / agefotostock

ATHLETICS Cheptegei suffers injury in Budapest, withdraws from 5000m

Moses King 16:22 - 23.08.2023

Three-time World champion in the 10000m, Joshua Cheptegei, has reportedly encountered an injury setback in Budapest, casting a shadow over his participation in the 2023 World Athletics 5000m heats, scheduled for August 24.

Initially slated to compete in heat one of the 5000m preliminary rounds, Cheptegei's unfortunate injury occurrence has disrupted his plans alongside his compatriot and world bronze medalist, Oscar Chelimo, who was positioned in heat two.

The implications of this development loom large for Uganda, as Cheptegei carries an impressive championship record, boasting three consecutive world titles.

Cheptegei (yellow top) leads the pack in Budapest on Sunday in the 10000m final. (IAAF Media).

Regrettably, this injury pattern mirrors Cheptegei's misfortune at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, where he encountered a similar fate.

He sustained an injury during the 5000m heats but tenaciously persevered to participate in the grand finale.

Joshua Cheptegei celebrates after winning gold in men’s 10 000m final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest | Photo Credit: IMAGO / Bildbyran

His race began auspiciously, yet his knee succumbed in the eighth lap, resulting in the forfeiture of his lead within the pack, ultimately leading to a surprising ninth-place finish.

Consequently, this injury setback would cause Cheptegei to miss out on several esteemed athletic events. He only returned to the track in July this year, meticulously preparing for Budapest.

He secured victory in the 10,000m finals, marking his first podium finish since the 2022 event in Oregon within the same distance.

This is a developing story.

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