Uganda’s long distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has withdrawn from the World Athletics Championship, its official.

Kiplimo sustained an injury on August 1 during training in Kapchorwa and he will not recover on time for the Championships due August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary.

“The medical report indicates he sustained an acute injury to the right hamstring and needs a few more weeks to recover completely. He is therefore not expected to train optimally in the next one or two months,” reads a Medical report, as shared in part by Uganda Athletics Federation.

It’s a huge blow for Uganda as Kiplimo had been entered for 5000m and 10,000m.

He carried Uganda’s medal hopes in Budapest having won two gold medals (5000m and 10,000m) at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

He is a World Record holder for the Half Marathon and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic 10,000 metres bronze medallist.

And Kiplimo’s absence leaves heavy burden on Joshua Cheptegei who is also entered for 5000m and 10,000m.

Uganda is now left with a team of 20 athletes to Budapest, including Victor Kiplangat who won Marathon gold at Commonwealth games in Birmingham.

Team Uganda To World Athletics Championships in Budapest

Women – Halima Nakaayi (800m), Winnie Nanyondo (1500m), Peruth Chemutai (3000m SC), Sarah Chelangat (5000m & 10,000m), Prisca Chesang (5000m), Stella Chesang (10,000m), Doreen Chesang (Marathon), Rebecca Chepetegei (Marathon), Mercyline Chelangat (Marathon)

Men – Tarsis Orogot (200m), Tom Dradriga (800m), Salim Abu Mayanja (1500m), Leonard Chemutai (3000m SC), Oscar Chelimo (5000m), Joshua Cheptegei (5000m, 10,000m), Rogers Kibet (10,000m), Joel Ayeko (10,000m), Stephen Kissa (Marathon), Victor Kiplangat (Marathon), Andrew Rotich Kwemoi (Marathon)