Kibet carries Uganda’s hopes into 10,000m spotlight at World Championships

At just-21-years old, Dan Kibet is poised to take on the world with the weight of a nation’s expectations squarely on his shoulders.

He will be Uganda’s sole representative in the men’s 10,000m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set for September 13–21 in Tokyo, Japan.

For a country that has grown accustomed to dominance in the event, thanks to Joshua Cheptegei’s world titles in 2019, 2022, and 2023, the absence of both Cheptegei, now focused on the marathon, and Jacob Kiplimo marks a turning point. Uganda’s hopes of extending its legacy in the 10,000m now rest with the young but determined Kibet.

On September 14, Kibet will line up alone in a field once navigated by Ugandan teammates working in tandem to control the race.

This time, there will be no familiar faces to buffer the fierce pace set by Ethiopian and Kenyan rivals. Yet, national team coach Benjamin Njia remains optimistic.

“I know he will do his best. He understands the weight of being Uganda’s only entrant in that race, and he’ll carry that responsibility with everything he has,” Njia affirmed.

Cheptegei’s departure from the track marks the end of a golden era, but it also opens the door for a new generation. Coach Peter Chelangat believes Kibet’s success will depend not just on raw talent, but on mental composure and tactical execution.

“It comes down to preparation and the confidence he builds during the race. Sometimes, it’s not the strongest or most gifted who win, luck, tactics, and courage play a big role. If Kibet sticks to his plan, anything is possible,” Chelangat noted.

Kibet arrives in Tokyo with a growing reputation, built on consistent performances both locally and internationally. His runner-up finish at the 2024 National Cross Country Championships cemented his status as one of Uganda’s most promising long-distance athletes.

After that race, Kibet spoke with humility and quiet resolve. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but pledged to work harder to ensure Uganda remains a formidable force in distance running.

His debut on the world stage is more than a race, it’s a symbolic passing of the baton. As Kibet steps onto the Tokyo track, Uganda will watch with pride and anticipation, hoping this rising star can carry forward a legacy forged through years of sweat, sacrifice, and triumph.