Joshua Cheptegei set for season debut at Rome Diamond League

Joshua Cheptegei wins gold at the World Athletics Championships 5000m in Oregon 2022 | Photo Credit: Imago

ATHLETICS Joshua Cheptegei set for season debut at Rome Diamond League

Moses King 13:17 - 31.05.2023

Joshua Cheptegei, the world record holder in the 5000m, is set to make his season debut on the track at the Rome Diamond League this Friday.

This will be Cheptegei's first track competition since the World Championships in Oregon last year.

Cheptegei suffered an injury that prevented him from participating in the subsequent Commonwealth Games, where he was the defending champion in the 5000m and 10,000m events.

Cheptegei will be facing familiar opponents in his season debut.

Notable competitors include Nicholas Kipkorir of Kenya, who set the meeting record in 12:46.33 at the Olimpico in Rome last year.

As well as Canadian record holder Mohammed Ahmed (12:47.20), Mohamed Katir of Spain (12:50.79), Rodgers Kwemoi

Chumo of Kenya.And Ethiopia's Selemon Barega and Yomif Kejelcha, all of whom have confirmed their participation.

In the race, Cheptegei will be joined by compatriot Oscar Chelimo, the unexpected bronze medalist in the 5000m at the World Championships.

At the same time, his brother Jacob Kiplimo has opted out of the race in favour of the Oslo Diamond League.

The Rome Diamond League meeting will unite elite athletes competing in various distances, including the 100m race featuring world champion Fred Kerley and Trayvon Bromell.

The second-fastest man in history, Yohan Blake, World U-20 Champion Letslie Tebogo, South Africa's Akani Simbine, and Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, will also compete at the event.

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