26 July 2022 | Athletics

Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei was tipped to claim the men's 5000m final at the 2022 Oregon World Athletics Championships, however, all was not rosy.

The 25-year-old finished 9th in an underwhelming show but there was a lot more to it than what meets the eye.

Cheptegei endured a tough race and operated on the side of caution according to Uganda Police Athletics club coach Benjamin Njia.

Njia revealed that Cheptegei suffered a tendon injury after participating in the 5000m heats, which complicated his chances in the finals.

"He got a tendon problem in the 5000m heats when they were doing the qualification, when he was racing in the final he told me by the 8th lap he saw it coming, and disturbing him, so instead of him doing a do or die, it would worsen his injury so he had to slow it down," Njia told URN.

Cheptegei may also have to be cautious on the track again later on August 2nd, 2022 as he tries to defend his 10,000m commonwealth title in Birmingham.

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