Uganda lose three athletes ahead of African Championships

Uganda have been dealt a triple injury blow ahead of the 2018 African Championships in Nigeria.

Jacob Kiplimo, Janat Chemusto and Albert Chemutai will miss out on the event which runs from August 1-15 in Asaba.

"Three of our athletes picked up injuries during the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Finland and have been withdrawn from the team," Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) chairman Dominic Otuchet told KweséESPN.

"Jacob Kiplimo picked a heel injury, while Janat Chemusto has a problem with her foot. Albert Chemutai struggled in the 3 000m steeplechase final in Finland and when he was tested later, it was found that he was suffering from bronchitis.

"The three have been withdrawn and our team now has 17 athletes because we cannot call up replacements at this late stage."

Kiplimo picked a silver medal in the 10 000m at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships, and team manager Moses Asonya admits the late withdrawals are a big blow, especially with Commonwealth Games double gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei already missing.

"These athletes were some of our medal hopefuls for the African Championships, but we shall continue to work hard and motivate the 17 remaining on the team."

The Ugandan team will be led by Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat, who both picked up medals at the Commonwealth Games.

UGANDA TEAM

Men: Timothy Toroitich (10 000m), Ronald Musagala (1 500m), Geoffrey Ruto (800m), Rashid Atiau (800m), Pius Adome (100m/200m), Leonard Opiny (400m), Stephen Kissa (5 000m), Kevin Kibet (5 000m)

Women: Stella Chesang (10 000m), Mercyline Chelangat (10 000m), Winnie Nanyondo, Halima Nakaayi (800m), Peruth Chemutai (3 000m SC), Shida Leni (200m/400m), Scovia Ayikoru (100m/200m), Lucy Aber (javelin), Josephine Lalam (javelin)




ESPN

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