World record holder Joshua Cheptegei out of 5000m at Budapest World Athletics Championships

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Joshua Cheptegei, the 26-year-old Ugandan, who just won 10,000-metre gold at the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships is out of the 5000m event.

He was the favourite to win. A fierce battle was anticipated between him and Jacob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, who will now be extra motivated, after being beaten by Josh Kerr in the 1500m event.

Cheptegei claims a foot injury is keeping him out.

On Meta, he wrote, “Hi Guys, I am proud and happy to have won another gold medal on the 10,000m. I would have loved to compete in the 5000m as well but unfortunately, I had to decide not to start. I have struggled with a small foot injury over the last days and I don’t want to take any risks. I wish all 5000m competitors the best of luck and I see you all soon.”

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Cheptegei holds both the 5000m and 10,000m world records having clocked 12:35.36 and 26:11.00, respectively. He also holds national records on the roads in the 5K and 10K events and a world-best over 15K at 41:05.

He is the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000m, silver medallist in the 10,000m and three-time World Champion in the 10,000m. Cheptegei earned the titles consecutively in Doha, Eugene and Budapest.

There are nine athletes on the start list (including Cheptegei) who have run sub-13-minutes. The fastest of whom is now Hagos Gebrhiwet of Ethiopia. Canadian record holder Moh Ahmed (12:47.20) is not on the start list. Canada’s lone representative will be Benjamin Flanagan.

Australian Stewart McSweyn, if the race plays out in his favour may have a chance to strike for a metal. As Kerr demonstrated in the 1500m and Hassan and Bol in the 1500m and mixed relays proved, anything can happen in a final.

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