Uganda's long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei announces retirement

COURTESY PHOTO

Uganda long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei has today announced to retire from active National and international competitions after a sublime career that has seen him break records over the years.

Uganda’s decorated long-distance runner spoke his revelation during the flag off Uganda National Athletics team to Budapest, Hungary for World Athletics championship.

The flag off was held at Cooper Chimney Restaurant at National Council of Sports headquarters in Lugogo.

Speaking to the gathering as team captain for World Athletics championship, Cheptegei revealed; “This is my last career championship on the track if all goes well and at the back of my I would love to defend this race.

Being the reigning champion, my eye is set to title defence and it will be a sweet time to retire”.

However, as a sport, we would like to see new entrants and blood coming through to keep the trend moving”.

He Is the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000 metres and silver medalist for the 10,000 metres.

He’s also the two-time 10,000 m World champion from 2019 and 2022, World silver medalist from 2017, and the 2019 World Cross Country champion.

Uganda has sent a team of 21 athletes to World Athletics championship set for 19^th to 28^th August in Budapest, Hungary.

During the team flag off, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) Domenic Otucet said, “I’m glad to inform you that a team of athletes and officials will be traveling to Budapest, Hungary. The team will travel in three batches with the first batch traveling on Thursday 17^th August 2023.