Team Uganda is heading into the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with optimism, even without distance running icons Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.
Speaking at a press conference, Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otucet reassured fans that the absence of the two global stars should not be seen as a setback. Instead, he described it as an opening for fresh talent to rise to the occasion.
“Team Uganda remains very strong even without our champions Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo. I believe this squad has what it takes to bring home medals of all colors,” Otucet said.
He added that the moment could mirror Stephen Kiprotich’s stunning marathon triumph at the 2012 London Olympics, where he delivered one of Uganda’s greatest sporting achievements under unexpected circumstances.
Several athletes have echoed that same belief, pledging to give their all to ensure Uganda’s presence is felt on the global stage. They emphasized that the team is united by resilience and determination, ready to make Tokyo another historic chapter in the country’s athletics journey.
