The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEEPENDENT | Ugandan long-distance runners Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo have confirmed their participation in the upcoming sixth Diamond League event, set to take place in Oslo, Norway, on May 30th, 2024. The duo will compete in the 5000-meter Diamond League race, marking their final track appearance before shifting their focus to the Paris Olympics in Hungary, scheduled for August 1st to 11th, 2024.
Expected to face tough competition, Cheptegei and Kiplimo will contend with Ethiopia’s 10000-meter champion Selemon Barega, Yomif Kejelcha, Aregawe Berhe, as well as Kenya’s Martin Kimeli, Rop Kiprop, and Grand Fisher from the United States. Both athletes are currently in Norway, fine-tuning their preparations under the guidance of their coaches. They are determined to deliver strong performances in the league.
Cheptegei, who recently secured third place in the Los Angeles continental tour, stated in an interview with Uganda Radio Network that he prefers racing in middle-scheduled diamond leagues to focus on major events such as the Olympics and World Championships.
“I am accustomed to racing in middle-scheduled Diamond Leagues to allow me to focus on major events, especially the Olympics,” Cheptegei explained. Kiplimo, who finished second in the 2023 Oslo Diamond League, emphasized the importance of competing alongside top athletes from rival countries like Kenya and Ethiopia to assess his fitness levels.
“Most of my rivals are entered for the highly competitive league, so it was wise for me to participate,” Kiplimo stated. Addy Ruiter, Cheptegei’s coach, revealed that training sessions have been tailored to ensure peak performance at the Olympics.
“We design schedules aimed at achieving successful results in major world athletics competitions, and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Ruiter noted. Lacopo Brassi, Kiplimo’s coach, expressed optimism about improving the performance of the reigning World Half Marathon record holder during the highly competitive event in August.
Brassi highlighted Kiplimo’s potential and endurance for the upcoming championships. Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation, commended the management of both athletes, acknowledging their crucial role in Uganda’s anticipated success at the Paris Olympics.
He expressed confidence that Cheptegei and Kiplimo, as the country’s long-distance running hopes, are fostering a team spirit leading up to the World Championships.
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