Uganda's elite athletes set sights on 2023 World Championships

Joshua Cheptegei (R) celebrates with compatriot Jacob Kiplimo after winning the Men's 5000 M final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games | Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images via CFP)

ATHLETICS Uganda's elite athletes set sights on 2023 World Championships

Shafic Kiyaga 19:19 - 08.08.2023

Leading the charge for Uganda will be the prodigious duo of Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.

As the world turns its eyes to the 2023 World Athletics Championships, all set to commence in Budapest's iconic National Athletics Centre, Uganda is all poised and ready.

With its star-studded ensemble of 21 premier athletes, the East African nation is signalling intent and ambition.

Leading the charge for Uganda will be the prodigious duo of Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.

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. 

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.

Cheptegei and Kiplimo return to lead Uganda's glory hunt at the World Championships, Budapest in August. World Athletics

His achievements will see him compete in both events, seeking to replicate or even better his previous successes.

Meanwhile, Kiplimo, who made history with his world record in the half marathon and secured bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for the 10,000 metres, is equally hungry for more.

Having won gold for both the 5000 and 10,000 metres in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Kiplimo's ambition is palpable.

On the women's front, the lineup is just as stellar. Peruth Chemutai, the reigning women’s 3000m steeplechase champion, leads the nine-member female squad.

Joshua Cheptegei leads the senior men's race in Bathurst ahead of Jacob Kiplimo (R) and Geoffrey Kamworor (L) during the 2023 World Cross Country Championship | © Getty Images

Accompanying her are the luminous talents of 800m world champion Halima Nakaayi, 1500m national record holder Winnie Nanyondo, and Prisca Chesang, who has valiantly battled back from injury to debut at this esteemed championship in the 5000m.

In the marathon, Stephen Kissa holds the national record and will be looking to make his mark, accompanied by Victor Kiplangat, the recent Commonwealth marathon gold winner.

They inherit the legacy of marathon maestros Stephen Kiprotich and Solomon Mutai, whose earlier medals set the pace.

Newcomers too promise to light up the track, notably Tarsis Orogot, the young sprinter.

Orogot has his eyes on the horizon | Photo Credit: Courtesy

Fresh from turning heads with his remarkable runs in the USA, he's a wildcard entry that rivals would do well not to underestimate.

But this year's event isn't just about the present. It's also a continuation of a storied legacy.

The echoes of past achievements - from Dorcus Inzikuru’s golden run in 2005, to Davis Kamoga's trailblazing silver in 1997, reverberate.

Meanwhile, the shadow of missed opportunities in years like 1999, 2001, 2003, 2009, and 2011 serves as a stark reminder of the journey ahead.

Halimah Nakaayi makes a dash for the finish during a race | Photo Credit: IMAGO / Newspix

While the absence of Janat Chemusto, sidelined due to a doping-related suspension, casts a shadow, the brilliance of the rest of the squad promises to more than compensate.

Chemusto's suspension, following her positive test for norandrosterone, remains a key talking point.

Team Uganda embarks on this championship with dreams of surpassing their previous tally of three medals from the last edition.

Team Uganda 

Women: Halima Nakaayi - 800m, Winnie Nanyondo - 1500m, Sarah Chelangat - 10000m & 5000m (by quota), Stella Chesang - 10000m and Marathon, Rebecca Cheptegei - Marathon, Rebecca Cheptegei - Marathon, Mercyline Chelangat - Marathon, Doreen Chesang - - Marathon, Peruth Chemutai -Women's SC

Men: Tarsis Gracious Orogot - 200m, Oscar Chelimo - 5000m, Joshua Cheptegei - 5000m & 10000m, Jacob Kiplimo -5000m & 10000m, Rogers Kibet - 10000m, Stephen Kisa - Marathon, Victor Kiplangat - Marathon, Andrew Rotich Kwemoi – Marathon

Qualification by World Ranking Quota: Dan Kibet - 5000m, Joel Ayeko - 10000m, Leonard Chemutai - 3000m Steeplechase, Susan Aneno - 800m