Uganda Faces New Chapter at World Athletics Championships Without Joshua Cheptegei
Tokyo, Japan – September 14, 2025 — For the first time since 2015, Uganda’s legendary track icon Joshua Cheptegei will not feature at the World Athletics Championships. His absence marks the end of an era for Uganda’s athletics and has cast a nostalgic mood over the nation’s hopes as the championships kick off this Saturday, September 13, in Tokyo.
Cheptegei’s impact on Uganda’s global track reputation is undisputed. From his debut with a ninth-place finish in the 10,000 metres at Beijing 2015, the long-distance maestro went on to claim three gold medals and one silver in his subsequent four championship appearances. His consistency made him a symbol of Ugandan excellence on the world stage—and his absence now creates a void that leaves the spotlight open for others to rise.
Team Uganda: 21 Athletes, High Stakes
With Cheptegei out, Uganda’s hopes rest on a 21-member team—11 women and 10 men—who carry the weight of national expectations over nine intense days in Tokyo.
Among the key athletes is Halima Nakaayi, the 2019 800m world champion. At 30, Nakaayi is still competitive, but her recent performances suggest she will face an uphill battle. Her season-best of 2:04.57 at the World Indoors trails behind the likes of South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso, who clocked 1:58.40 in the same event.
Chemutai Eyes Tokyo Magic Again
Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the 2020 Olympic steeplechase champion, returns to the same city where she made history. She remains a strong medal contender, having clocked 8:51.77 to finish third at the Diamond League in July. Her key rivals include Winfred Yavi (Bahrain) and Faith Cherotich (Kenya), both of whom have dipped below the 8:50 mark this season.
♂️ Victor Kiplangat Leads the Men
With Cheptegei sidelined, Victor Kiplangat emerges as Uganda’s brightest male hope. The 25-year-old marathoner won gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, sharing top honours with Cheptegei. However, his recent 13th-place finish at the Boston Marathon (2:10:13) indicates he’ll need to up his game to replicate last year’s glory.
Veteran Solomon Mutai, 32, also returns, bringing experience and pedigree. Mutai won bronze at the 2015 World Championships and silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Though his recent times haven’t matched his peak, he remains a dark horse in the marathon.
♀️ Rising & Returning Names
- Stella Chesang, 28, enters the championships after a strong sixth-place finish at the London Marathon in April (2:22:42). A former Commonwealth Games gold medalist, she’ll be looking to bridge the seven-minute gap to match the current world record holder Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.
- Mercyline Chelangat and Juliet Chekwel will join her in the women’s marathon, while Sarah Chelangat, Joy Cheptoyek, and Rebecca Chelangat take on the 5000m and 10,000m events.
- On the men’s side, watch out for Oscar Chelimo, Leonard Chemutai, and Kenneth Kiprop in the distance races, as well as Stephen Kissa and Abel Chelangat in the marathon.
New Era, Big Questions
With no Cheptegei, the big question is whether Uganda can maintain its medal tally or if this will be a transitional championship. The talent is there, but the world stage is unforgiving.
Uganda’s track faithful will be watching closely, hoping that even in the absence of their most decorated athlete, new champions will rise—and perhaps usher in a new golden era for Ugandan athletics.
