Bronze medalist Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda reacts on the award ceremony of the men's 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Jacob Kiplimo's hamstring injury led to his withdrawal from the forthcoming World Athletics Championships in Hungary, dampening Uganda's medal hopes.
KAMPALA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's long distance star athlete Jacob Kiplimo has been ruled out of the forthcoming World Athletics Championships slated for August 19-27th in Budapest due to his hamstring injury.
"It is unfortunate the doctor told us on Friday that Kiplimo's hamstring injury cannot let him compete in Hungary. We have decided that he is withdrawn," Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) told Xinhua.
Kiplimo together with world champion Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei were Uganda's medal hopefuls in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.
"This is a very unfortunate development because this is a medal missed for Uganda. But we shall focus on the remaining 20 team members who will travel," added Otuchet.
He added that Kiplimo sustained the injury during the speed training session on August 1 in Kapchorwa.
Otuchet made it clear that as a federation they will do whatever it takes to ensure Kiplimo's recovery. "We urge Kiplimo to remain focused and steadfast while taking the brief period positively," added Otuchet.
Kiplimo won gold in the 10,000m race at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He also holds the men's half marathon record of 57 minutes and 31 seconds set on November 21, 2021. ■
