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Budapest, the capital that bridges the old and the new, holds the promise of a fresh narrative in the world of athletics as the 2023 World Athletics Championships beckon.
For star a athlete like Joshua Cheptegei, this is not merely a race but a stepping stone towards a bigger dream.
And the 2023 World Championships, scheduled from 19 to 27 August 2023 at the National Athletics Centre, represents more than just another championship for Cheptegei.
Budapest, the capital that bridges the old and the new, holds the promise of a fresh narrative in the world of athletics as the 2023 World Athletics Championships beckon.
Cheptegei, a name that resonates with victory, is a two-time 10,000m World champion from 2019 and 2022, World silver medalist from 2017, and the 2019 World Cross Country champion.
After his sweeping victories in Oregon 2022, he is fuelled with a renewed vigour. His sights are not just on Budapest but also on the horizon that lies beyond: Paris 2024.
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"I hope that I can replicate what I did in Tokyo and even more by winning a double gold. That would be phenomenal for me. Really special for me and my fans,” he ardently expressed.
"I've been dreaming of becoming not just a one-time champion but a multiple champion," Cheptegei had once shared, giving a glimpse into his unwavering determination.
From the gentle slopes of Kapchorwa in Eastern Uganda to the world stage, Cheptegei's journey has been a testament to perseverance and ambition.
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The reigning 10,000m and 5000m world record holder is also the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000 metres and the silver medallist for the 10,000 metres.
Yet, his aspirations go beyond individual glory. Cheptegei's passion for nurturing the next generation of Ugandan athletes underscores his broader vision.
In the midst of intense training and global competitions, he dedicates time to mentor young talents, ensuring they too can dream big.
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"It's a great feeling to mentor others more than even chasing for your own dream,” Cheptegei stated.
“I always want to stand out in the community as much as I stand out among runners,” he reflected, emphasizing his philanthropic endeavors which merge education and sport.
If he secures victories in two world titles during the championships, he will etch his name in history as the first Ugandan to achieve this feat at the World Championships.
But the journey to Budapest isn't without its hurdles. Uganda's other shining star, Jacob Kiplimo, will not be competing due to an injury, thus placing an even bigger spotlight on Cheptegei.
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With one less favourite to contend with, the line up especially for the 10,000m has all the makings of a classic. Ethiopian Berihu Aregawi is expected to be the biggest challenger.
The 22-year-old who was 4th in the 2021 Olympic 10,000 has also been great in 2023. He earned World XC silver then ran 12:40.45 FTW in Lausanne (a world leader and #5 all-time) before running 12:42.58 in Monaco (2nd).
Selemon Barega beat Cheptegei in a fierce battle at the Tokyo Olympics. His 5th-place result last year in Oregon is a bit misleading. He battled Cheptegei for victory in the race, before fading away.
The Olympic champ is still only 23. Barega hasn’t been magnificent this year (12:56 in Florence, 13:00 in Lausanne, 2nd Ethiopian trials) but should not be discounted.
The Kenyan challengers will be led by silver medallist from Eugene Stanley Mburu. But his shape going into the race is questionable, though his pedigree cannot be discredited.
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Mburu has had a slow start to the year and didn’t run the Kenyan trials. The winner of the Kenyan trials Nicholas Kipkorir certainly could medal but a win would be completely stunning.
As the world eagerly waits to see if he will capture another gold or two, the stakes have never been higher. Winning means not just individual accomplishment, but also carrying the hopes of an entire nation and setting the stage for Paris 2024.
Looking back, Uganda has a legacy to uphold. In the previous World Championships held in Oregon, Cheptegei shone with a gold in the 10,000m, while Kiplimo and Oscar Chelimo bagged bronze in the 5,000m.
With a prize of $70,000 for the gold medalist, mirroring that of the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, the upcoming competition promises to be fierce.
But for Cheptegei, it's more than the prize money. It's about etching a legacy, inspiring a generation, and marching confidently towards an even brighter future in Paris.
As Budapest beckons, one thing is certain: Cheptegei's quest is more than just a race - it's a journey of dreams, hope, and undying passion.
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