Jacob Kiplimo, a long-distance star for Uganda, will not be competing in the upcoming World Athletics Championships, which will take place in Budapest from August 19-27. Due to his hamstring injury, Uganda has one less medal contender at the next World Athletics Championships.

“It is unfortunate the doctor told us on Friday that Kiplimo’s hamstring injury cannot let him compete in Hungary. We have decided that he is withdrawn,” Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation said.

According to Otuchet, Kiplimo together with world champion Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei were Uganda’s medal hopefuls in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.

“This is a very unfortunate development because this is a medal missed for Uganda. But we shall focus on the remaining 20 team members who will travel,” Otuchet added.

He elaborated that Kiplimo hurt himself on August 1st while participating in a speed training session in Kapchorwa.

Otuchet stressed that the federation will spare no effort in bringing Kiplimo back to health. “We urge Kiplimo to remain focused and steadfast while taking the brief period positively,” Otuchet added.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, Kiplimo took home the 10,000-metre gold. He ran the half marathon in 57 minutes and 31 seconds on November 21, 2021, setting a new world record for men.