Two-time Olympic Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei has opened up on why he opted not to take part in this year’s Tokyo world championship due this September 13th–21st in Japan.
Cheptegei says that he wanted to avoid working under pressure and prioritizing his mental health first.
“It was not my intention to run in the world championships this year and the reason was; ten years ago, I have had kind of pressure where you compete for the championships. And so, for me to be health again, I did not want that kind of mental stress and the priority comes as myself first,” noted the four-time world champion after a track session at Chemwania play grounds in Kween district where teams heading for both Tokyo World championship and World Mountain and Trail Running Championship in Spain had their final preparations before departure this Wednesday.
Despite pulling out, the world record holder expressed strong belief in Uganda’s squad traveling to Tokyo, noting that they have what it takes to deliver medals.
“This team is actually a very strong team with Victor Kiplangat who won marathon gold in Budapest, Peruth Chemutai, who is an Olympic champion. Despite me missing as the longest team captain and Jacob Kiplimo, the team is in good spirits,” he added
Uganda Athletics named a team of 23 athletes for both the world championships and the WorldTrail Running Championship in Spain.
