Uganda’s World and Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei has withdrawn from the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the United Kingdom.
According to a letter dated July 28 2022, the 5,000m and 10,000m sensation will not defend his title in the competitions.
Cheptegei crossed the finish line in 27 minutes, 27.43 seconds to win gold in men’s 10,000m at the just concluded World Championships in Oregon, United States of America.
This came after losing a 10,000m gold medal to Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“I write to express my personal inability to feature and defend my titles at the upcoming Commonwealth Games,” Cheptegei wrote.
“The utter decision comes after my stretched feat to defend my titles at the just concluded World Championships in Athletics – Oregon – United States.”
“Since the 10,000m gold achievement at the Worlds, my body has demanded and requires some rest and recovery if I am to embark on future prospects and plans including the World Cross Country Championships early next year and the World Championships in Athletics again later in the summer next year.”
The Ugandan further expressed his disappointment by the fact that he will not be competing in Birmingham and defend his legacy.
“I am really sad to have to withdraw from the Games. I was really looking forward to defending my title; especially at the 5,000m event. I have endured some illness which has set back my training program and wpuld not love to aggravate it.”
He has, however, urged team Uganda to do the nation proud at the Commonwealth Games. He has wished his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo well in the contest.
“I have great belief in my brother, Jacob Kiplimo, and all teammates assembled to represent and do the job required of them for our nation – Uganda.”
Joshua Cheptegei will show up to represent Uganda in the scheduled events later in the year and in the summer.
