30 July 2021 | Olympics

Ugandan middle-distance runners Esther Chebet, Prisca Chesang and Sarah Chelangat head into the Tokyo Olympics women’s 5000m heats with a huge possibility of surprise on Friday. 

The trio are all debuting in the competition with Chebet a little more experienced as compared to her younger compatriots Chesang and Chelangat. 

Chebet is ranked 83rd on the globe, having featured at the 2017 London and 2019 Doha World Championships. She also made 5th place at the Morocco 2019 Africa Games in 4:21:04. 

Kenyan Helen Obiri presents one of Chebet’s biggest challenges. Obiri claimed the highest honors at the 2019 Doha World Championships, earlier scooping silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Great Britain’s McColgan Eilish, Ethiopian Tsegay Gudaf and South Africa’s Scott Dominic are some of the other entries that could tip the scales for Chebet in heat 1.

Chesang and Chelangat are bound to support each other in heat 1 against Dutch medal favorite and 2018 Berlin European Championships gold winner Sifa Hassan. 

Kenyan pair Agnes Jebet Tirop and Rengeruk Lillian Kasait who have run sub-15 personal bests will draw more fight from the Ugandans in pursuit of slots in the final. 

Chebet, Chesang and Chelangat will have to finish among the first 5 in their respective heats or get positions among the next 5 fastest overall advance to the final. 

When to watch Chesang, Chebet and Chelangat compete pending qualification;

Women's 5000m Round 1 - Heat 1 and 2

Date and Time: Fri 30 July (1:00pm and 1:36pm EAT respectively)

Venue: Olympic Stadium

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