29 August 2023 | Athletics

Ugandan marathon world champion Victor Kiplangat has praised countryman Jacob Kiplimo for his contribution towards his success at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Kiplimo didn't feature in the events due to an injury he sustained on August 1st while training at the high-altitude, Kapchorwa in Eastern Uganda.

He however was remembered by Kiplangat for inspiring and motivating him before winning the marathon in 2:08:53.

Kiplangat broke clear from Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase with 3km to go and the winning margin was 26 seconds.

Israel’s Maru Teferi claimed the silver, overtaking the tiring Gebresilase on the finishing curve to finish runner-up in 2:09:12.

“This has been my dream and it has come true at last,” said Kiplangat, the second Ugandan to take the title, following Stephen Kiprotich’s success in Moscow in 2013.

“Last year I was Commonwealth Games champion and that made me think this year I must become world champion. Now my prayers have been answered and hopefully next year in Paris I will become Olympic champion too.  

“It was hard today because it was so hot but I felt comfortable because I prepared well for this weather. I knew it was possible because I had trained well. It was a dream and a mission and I did it today. 

“When I reached 30km I knew I felt strong and decided to push. I had great energy and that allowed me to go. Then at 35km, I could surge again. That was always my plan and I managed to do it.

“I need to thank Jacob Kiplimo. He has given me a lot of motivation and inspired me with his performances. I am so grateful as well for his advice and guidance. Without that, I couldn't have won today.”

Kiplangat - also a commonwealth champion - is the 5th different world champion from Uganda ever.

MEN'S MARATHON MEDALLISTS
🥇	Victor Kiplangat 🇺🇬 UGA	2:08:53
🥈	Maru Teferi 🇮🇱 ISR	2:09:12
🥉	Leul Gebresilase 🇪🇹 ETH	2:09:19

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