The Olympic 10,000 meter champion will not attempt the double and has withdrawn from the Olympic 5000m race.
Joshua Cheptegei firmly placed himself within the Olympic record books following his record-setting gold medal performance in the 10,000 meters. He was expected to also compete in the 5000m, however announced this morning that his collection is complete, and he would not contest for the double.
In a post to Threads, Cheptegei tallied his many accolades before announcing his decision to withdraw from the 5000m. He wrote, “So proud for Uganda. After the world junior 10,000m title, three times the world 10,000m title, the world 10,000m record, this gold medal in an Olympic record time completes my collection. After discussing with my team, we’ve decided it’s best not to compete in the 5000m.”
For his gold medal performance, Cheptegei ran an incredible race in the 10,000 meters. After hanging toward the middle to back of the lead pack, he made his move with two laps to go. He steadily moved up the ranks, eventually leading and holding on ahead of a surging Aregawi of Ethiopia. USA’s Grant Fisher finished in bronze medal position.
Watch the Paris Olympic 10,000 meter race here, via YouTube.
Completing the double would not have been a big stretch for Cheptegei, as he contested both the 5k and 10k at the Tokyo Games, winning gold and silver in those events, respectively. He also has won the 10k at the past three outdoor World Championships, and is the current world record holder for both the 5000 meters (12:35.36) and 10,000 meters (26:11.00). This Olympic Gold really was the completion of his collection across a phenomenal running career.
