UAF president confident Uganda will win medals in Tokyo despite star absences
There is a huge need for reassurances after Uganda’s final team for the Tokyo events was released without Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.
UAF president Dominic Otucet. File photo
By Charles Mutebi
Journalists @New Vision
Uganda will win medals at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, maintains athletics body UAF president Dominic Otucet.
There is a huge need for reassurances after Uganda’s final team for the Tokyo events was released without Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.
The two superstars had appeared on the provisional list as part of the marathon quartet, but the final 21-strong team was released with their names conspicuously missing. Cue widespread concern.
Otucet says they will be missed but Uganda should still hope for silverware.
“It would have been good to have Cheptegei and Kiplimo in Tokyo, but Uganda should not depend on two or three athletes for medals,” said Otucet.
“We shall win medals. We expect a medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. Also, Stella Chesang in the women’s marathon should vie for a medal, and our representatives in the men’s marathon should also bring home at least one medal.”
In Peruth Chemutai, Victor Kiplangat, Halima Nakaayi and Oscar Chelimo, Uganda have enough talent and experience for this lofty stage, but the absence of Cheptegei and Kiplimo increases the burden of expectation on the medal hopefuls.
Otucet expects them to handle it.
Women
S. Leni (400m), H. Nakaayi (800m), A. Knight (1500m), P. Chemutai & Loice Chekwemoi (3000msc), S. Chelangat, J. Cheptoyek (5,000 & 10,000m), R. Chelangat, S. Chesang, M. Chelangat & J. Chekwel
Men
V. Kiplangat, S. Mutai, S. Kissa & A. Chelangat (marathon), D. Kibet (10,000m), O. Chelimo, K. Kiprop & H. Kibet (5000m), T. Dradiga (800m) & L. Chemutai (3000msc)