Dan Kibet targets podium at World Cross Country Championships

A podium finish is the top priority for long‑distance runner Dan Kibet as he prepares to compete at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships this Saturday in Tallahassee, USA.

Kibet, Uganda’s national cross‑country champion, is part of the men’s 10km team that includes two‑time defending champion Jacob Kiplimo, Dolpine Chelimo, Emmanuel Kibet, Deogracious Musobo, and Kenneth Kiprop.

Together, they aim to secure glory for Uganda in a global event featuring the world’s best distance runners.

The 22‑year‑old, who competes in the 5,000m, 3,000m, and 10km events, expressed confidence ahead of the race.

“I know it is a tough task ahead, but I have been training and I’m ready to fly the Uganda flag. My focus is on the podium, and I’m going for it,” Kibet said.

Rising career

Kibet is the reigning U20 African champion and finished fourth in the U20 race at the 44th World Cross Country Championships in Australia in 2023.

He also placed 11th at the 2024 edition in Belgrade, Serbia. With that experience, he believes he is ready to deliver a medal for Uganda as he builds toward his long‑term goal of competing at the 2028 Olympics.

Uganda’s medal hopes

Uganda has a strong record at the championships, winning five medals in the previous edition: gold by Jacob Kiplimo, silver by the men’s senior team, bronze by the women’s senior team, and bronze medals for both junior men and women.

This year, the junior women’s team — Peace Chebet, Felister Chekwemoi, Nancy Chepkwurui, Charity Cherop, and Bentalin Yeko — is tipped as one to watch. Having gained valuable exposure through international competitions, they are seen as genuine medal contenders.

Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet expressed optimism about the squad’s chances.

“I have confidence in my team, especially the junior women. Our focus is to win more medals, and I believe we have the strength to do so in both the men’s and women’s categories,” Otucet said.

Full Squad

The senior women’s team features Sarah Chelangat, Rebecca Chelangat, Keren Chemusto, Martha Chemutai, Joy Cheptoyek, and Rispa Cherop.

The junior men’s U20 team includes Solomon Andiema, Daniel Kiprotich, Abraham Cherotich, Dan Kipyekp, and Jeremiah Kweemoi.

Uganda will also field a mixed relay team of Silas Chemutai, Daniel Comboni, Brenda Chekwemoi, and Sylvia Chelangat, each running 2km.

Leading the 26‑member squad is world champion Jacob Kiplimo, who spearheads Uganda’s quest for global glory.