Uganda’s medal search at the 2025 World Athletics Championships has been slowed by an unrelenting Tokyo heat wave that continues to test athletes and officials alike.
Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare praised the team’s resilience on Sunday, saying the athletes are giving everything despite punishing conditions.
“Brighter days are ahead,” Rukare assured, urging fans back home to stay patient as the competition moves into its second week.
The brutal weather has already taken a toll on Uganda’s biggest name.
Marathon defending champion Victor Kiplangat, who entered Tokyo with high hopes of retaining his crown, faded to 15th place after struggling in temperatures that soared through the race.
He clocked 2 hours 11 minutes 33 seconds, well off his winning time from the 2023 championships.
Coaches and athletes say the heat, which has intensified each day, has made recovery and race strategy difficult across the board.
Yet team officials insist morale remains high and believe Uganda’s middle- and long-distance runners still have opportunities to reach the podium as the meet continues.
