Athletes decry Kipsiro, Kiprotich’s absence

Unavailable. Kipsiro says his body is not yet ready for competitive running.

What you need to know:

  • 2012 Olympic marathon champion Kiprotich and Kipsiro’s absentia in London means Team Uganda will have none at a championship event for the first time in 13 years since the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Several London-bound runners will miss the duo’s experience and leadership.
  • Kipsiro last represented Uganda at 2014 Commonwealth Games, bagging 10000m gold in Glasgow, Scotland. It is also the only championship event that Kiprotich has missed ever since crossing to marathon in 2011.

KAMPALA. The current generation of Ugandan athletes adores Stephen Kiprotich and Moses Kipsiro.
The marathon pair have attained the nation’s glory in the sport over the past 15 years, sharing six medals from the Commonwealth, Olympics and World Championships.
Both will miss the imminent London World Championships due August 4-13 on personal grounds despite persistent requests from Uganda Athletics Federation.

“UAF is telling me to go run but I do not feel I am ready,” Kipsiro re-echoed his statements as the National Track and Field Championships climaxed at Namboole on Thursday. It means Kipsiro, three-time Commonwealth gold medallist, has not represented Uganda in three years. The earliest he can wear the red and yellow bib again is at the Commonwealth Games next April in Australia.

2012 Olympic marathon champion Kiprotich and Kipsiro’s absentia in London means Team Uganda will have none at a championship event for the first time in 13 years since the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Several London-bound runners will miss the duo’s experience and leadership. “For sure, we will miss them. Those guys inspire us,” said 10000m runner Martin Kurong. “But we have to work as a team to return home with something.”

Little more experienced Timothy Toroitich thinks otherwise. “Yes, they will be away but as long as we are disciplined and well prepared, their void won’t affect us much,” Toroitich said.
Kipsiro last represented Uganda at 2014 Commonwealth Games, bagging 10000m gold in Glasgow, Scotland. It is also the only championship event that Kiprotich has missed ever since crossing to marathon in 2011.