Uganda Endures Tough Start at World Athletics Championships

Uganda’s medal hunt at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo got off to a difficult start on day one after Joy Cheptoyek missed out on the podium in the women’s 10,000m final.

Cheptoyek, who came into the race as one of Uganda’s brightest hopes, settled for seventh place after clocking 31 minutes 15.03 seconds.

Her compatriots Rebecca Chelangat and Sarah Chelangat endured contrasting fortunes, with Rebecca finishing 12th in 31:38.61 while Sarah failed to complete the race.

Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet produced a stunning late kick on the home straight to power to gold in 30:37.61, fending off Italy’s Nadia Battocletti who took silver. Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay had to settle for bronze in a strong field.

Uganda’s struggles were not confined to the 10,000m. In the women’s 1500m, Knight Aciru fell short of a semifinal slot after placing 11th in heat three with a time of 4:09.79, well outside the top six qualifying spots.

Leonard Chemutai also bowed out in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. The Ugandan finished ninth in heat two, posting 8:33.24 as only the first five in each heat advanced to the final.

With day one yielding no medals, Uganda will look to bounce back on Sunday that is highlighted by the Men’s 10000m medal race with eyes on Oscar Chelimo and Dan Kibet.