Cheptegei and Kiplimo on rivalry and ‘brotherhood’ that surpasses competition
- By Lynne Wachira
- BBC Sport Africa, Nairobi
image source, Getty Images
Former champion Joshua Cheptegei (left) was still delighted to hug Jacob Kiplimo (right) at the finish line after his compatriot from Uganda won his title at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia in February
Joshua Cheptegei has been the face of Ugandan athletics since he won a silver medal in the 10,000m at the 2017 World Championships in London.
After rising to gold at the 2019 and 2021 World Championships, he has also become a two-time Commonwealth Champion, world record holder and Olympic 5000m gold medalist – making him the most accomplished Ugandan athlete of all time.
But the 26-year-old, who has enjoyed unrivaled admiration at home for several years, is now happier that fellow youngster Jacob Kiplimo, 22, is pushing to steal the limelight.
“I’ve always traveled to competitions alone, fought alone to represent the country and win,” Cheptegei told BBC Sport Africa.
“But when Jacob came in I think the pressure on my shoulders was less because it’s not good for a country to look up to just one person.”
Cheptegei has admitted living in fear Uganda could miss a podium at a major competition should he get injured – something that happened when he was forced to withdraw from last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
To his delight, Kiplimo rose to the occasion and claimed a historic double in the 5,000m and 10,000m.
“It was very nice to see what he has achieved for Uganda. I was so proud of him.”
Birmingham not only offered Kiplimo the opportunity to win his first senior titles on track, but also to defend on behalf of Uganda the awards won four years earlier by Cheptegei, whom Kiplimo describes as “my longtime mentor”.
“Joshua has given me a lot of advice over the last four years, a lot of encouragement,” he explained.
“He cares a lot about me and tells me what I need to do to be successful. He’s been a good friend to me, we really complement each other.”
image source, Getty Images
Jacob Kiplimo, who defeated Joshua Cheptegei in the half marathon in New York City on Sunday, hopes the pair’s success can inspire other Ugandan athletes
The friendly rivals
The pair’s friendship was on full display as they celebrated each other’s successes at major events, often sharing podium finishes.
And recently it seems the student could get the better of the champion, with Kiplimo being crowned champion at February’s World Cross Country Championships where Cheptegei finished third, while the junior partner also defeated his mentor at Sunday’s New York City Half Marathon .
“At the end of the day we have to accept that one of us will come out better than the other,” Cheptegei told the BBC ahead of the race.
“We both have our individual goals and visions, but after the race we will celebrate who wins.”
“It’s new territory for me (half marathon). I see it as a good time for me to learn to run the long distances because I know I’ll have to get off the track in the future.”
Cheptegei took to social media after the race in the Big Apple – not only to show he was happy with his performance but also to congratulate Kiplimo on the win.
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Construction of an “athletics powerhouse”
The importance of Cheptegei and Kiplimo to sport in Uganda should not be underestimated.
Prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Uganda had only won a total of seven medals in all previous games. In Japan, Cheptegei and Kiplimo added half as many and won three medals together (Cheptegei won gold in the 5000m and silver in the 10,000m, while Kiplimo won bronze in the 10,000m).
image source, Getty Images
Joshua Cheptegei (left) and Jacob Kiplimo (right) took silver and bronze for Uganda in the 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics, while Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega (centre) won gold
Kiplimo wants those achievements – and his bond with Cheptegei – to shake others up, after explaining the focus is on “how our unit can help inspire more athletes to join the sport and ensure that Uganda.” an athletics powerhouse”.
“We are working hard to put Uganda on the global running map,” he continued.
“And we can only achieve that by paving the way for those who come behind us.”
But off the track, how close are the two friends and rivals? For Kiplimo, the answer comes without much hesitation.
Cheptegei’s answer is similar, although he cannot avoid revealing a possible rupture in the relationship.
“He’s family. In fact, our families get together to celebrate Christmas together.
“We have a lot in common although he is an Arsenal fan while I am proud of Manchester United.”
Football aside, this is a sporting rivalry that is unlikely to degenerate anytime soon.
“The important aspect is to keep that sense of belonging because we will retire after a few years but will still remain relatives,” concluded Cheptegei.
“The brotherhood and the relationship that we have as a family is bigger than running.”
Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo spoke to BBC Sport Africa ahead of the New York City Half Marathon, which Kiplimo won ahead of Cheptegei on March 19, 2023.