Joshua Cheptegei, Chelimo, Kiplimo Qualify For 5000m Final

Uganda’s trio of world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo and Oscar Chelimo advanced to the Tokyo Olympics final of the men’s 5000m from the two qualifying heats.

Also advancing was Kenya’s phenomenal Nicholas Kimei and Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha ahead of the mouth-watering final slated for early Friday morning.

Cheptegei came fifth in heat two clocking 13:30.61 just twenty seconds behind his countryman Kiplimo, who clocked 13:30.40 in same qualifying round.

Chelimo, who won individual junior bronze at the 2019 World Cross-country Championships in Denmark,came in forth in heat one in a time of 13:39.07 while the Kemei clocked 13:38:87 to win the race.

Kenya’s other representative in the race, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo survived a triple to finish 10^th in a time of 13:39.04, which was outside the automatic qualifying positions.

Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale also qualified despite seemingly lacking energy having run 3000m steeplechase final on Monday.

The duo of Cheptegei and Kiplimo are searching for their second medal in Tokyo following their triumph in 10,000m  where they won silver and bronze respectively.