Cheptegei and Kiplimo Withdraw from 5000m Olympics

Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo, two Ugandan Olympic athletes, have officially withdrawn from the 5,000m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to fatigue and muscle pain following the grueling 10,000m race, which Cheptegei won in an Olympic record time. The decision, confirmed by Uganda's athletics coach Faustin Kiwa, prioritizes the athletes' health over competition, with a focus on recovery. Cheptegei, the defending champion in the 5,000m, will not have a chance to defend his title and become one of the few to win back-to-back Olympic golds in that event. Oscar Chelimo will represent Uganda in the 5,000m qualifiers set for Wednesday. This withdrawal comes after both athletes were deemed unable to compete effectively due to their recent exertions in the 10,000m race.