Where could the medals come from for Africa in Budapest

Joshua Cheptegei celebrates after setting a new world 5000m record at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco in 2020 | Photo Credit: © Getty Images

ATHLETICS Where could the medals come from for Africa in Budapest

Shafic Kiyaga 20:59 - 17.08.2023

Of the 28 medals awarded to Africa, five nations stood out with at least one gold medal, with Uganda, Morocco, and Nigeria joining the aforementioned East African powerhouses.

As the World Athletics Championships swings into full gear in the scenic Budapest, Africa holds its collective breath, hopeful that its athletes can replicate or even better the successes from last year's edition in Oregon.

In Oregon, Africa shone brightly with Ethiopia and Kenya clinching second and fourth spots respectively in the medal rankings.

Of the 28 medals awarded to Africa, five nations stood out with at least one gold medal, with Uganda, Morocco, and Nigeria joining the aforementioned East African powerhouses.

The grand stage is set, and here's where the medals could come from for Africa:

If successful, Cheptegei edges closer to emulating Ethiopian legends Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele.

However, with the likes of Ethiopians Berihu Aregawi and Selemon Barega on his tail, the path to gold isn't straightforward.

Joshua Cheptegei chases Ethiopia's Aregawi in the Lausanne Diamond League 5000m race home-stretch , June 30. World Athletics

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon remains a dominant figure in the women's 1500m. With four global titles and a recent world record, the 29-year-old is a strong favourite for another gold.

On her heels will be Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay, the reigning 5,000m champion, who recently declared, "I want to win the World Championships again."

Soufiane El Bakkali, Morocco's steeplechase sensation, has his eyes set on retaining his title, having previously upset a decade and a half of Kenyan dominance. Labelling himself the "king of the steeplechase", El Bakkali’s confidence is sky-high.

Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala and South Africa's Akani Simbine are set to make significant impacts in the short sprints.

Ferdinand Omanyala at the Kip Keino Classic

After a tumultuous experience with visa issues during the Oregon edition, Omanyala is poised for redemption, while Simbine seeks to improve on his fifth-place finish.

Additionally, watch out for rising stars like Botswana's Letsile Tebogo and Liberia's Joseph Fahnbulleh.

Burkina Faso's Hugues Fabrice Zango and Marthe Koala carry the nation's hopes in the jumping categories.

Zango, aiming to improve on his silver, will face stiff competition from Portugal's Pedro Pichardo. Koala's season-best puts her in contention for a potential podium finish.

Couples in Kenyan sports
Faith Kipyegon celebrates as she crosses the line to victory during the Diamond league | Photo Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto Faith Kipyegon and Timothy Kitum among couples in Kenyan sports.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding 100m hurdler Tobi Amusan's participation, long jumper Ese Brume appears poised to capitalize on her rival's absence.

With Malaika Mihambo sidelined, Brume has a golden chance to continue Africa's tradition of long jump excellence.

While athletes from Africa have consistently been a formidable force on the global stage, this championship promises more thrilling performances and possible upsets.

Africa eagerly awaits its champions as the World converges on Budapest.