Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo are the top contenders in the 10,000 meters final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing impressive credentials and strong preparation. Cheptegei, a seasoned athlete with a personal best of 26:11.00, leads the field. He is followed by Kiplimo with a time of 26:33.93, Canada’s Ahmed Mohamed at 26:34.14, and Ethiopian Selemon Barega with a time of 26:93.34.
Cheptegei, an Olympic 5,000 meters gold medalist and three-time world 10,000 meters champion, aims to add an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters to his already stellar career. His track record includes holding the world record for the 10,000 meters, and he views the Paris Olympics as a crucial opportunity to complete his track career before potentially transitioning to marathon running.
Cheptegei expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming Games, stating, “I’m excited for the Paris games and I look forward to an amazing Olympics. I feel good and ready to chase my dream of becoming a world champion once again.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong mindset and a hunger for more titles.
Kiplimo, also a notable competitor, has been preparing rigorously for the event. Despite his focus on the medal itself rather than the financial reward, he is determined to improve upon his performance from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won bronze. Kiplimo recently secured victory at the 2024 Belgrade World Athletics Cross Country Championships, further boosting his confidence.
In addition to Cheptegei and Kiplimo, other notable competitors include U.S. athletes Nico Young, Kejelcha Yomif, Aregawi Berihu, and Kenyan runners Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kiprokoril, and Bernard Kibet. Fisher Grant from the U.S. will also be a key participant in the race.
Aside from the 10,000 meters, Uganda’s Halima Nakaayi will compete in the 800 meters heats. Nakaayi, who trained in the U.S., recently set a new national record with a time of 1:57.56. She hopes to repeat her 2019 world championship success at the Paris Olympics.
Ugandan athletes Joy Cheptoyek, Esther Chebet, and Belinda Chemutai will start their campaigns in the 5,000 meters heats. Chebet, excited for her second Olympics, expressed confidence in her preparation and hopes to qualify for the final, a notable achievement for a Ugandan woman. Chemutai, making her Olympic debut, aims for a finals finish, while Cheptoyek will compete in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.
The Ugandan team, supported by the government of Uganda through the National Council of Sports (NCS) and the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), as well as sponsors Plascon and Sanlam Insurance, is ready for the challenges ahead.
