Nakaayi steps up as Uganda’s medal hopes shift after Chemutai’s ankle injury

Peruth Chemutai spent a difficult evening at the World Athletics health centre following a dramatic fall that ended her bid for the world title with just two laps remaining in the 3000m steeplechase.

While Kenyan Faith Cherotich and Bahraini Winfred Yavi addressed the media after their race, Chemutai was in visible pain, having collided with two hurdles at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.

After the fall, Chemutai lay prone on the track before medics rushed to assist her. A Team Uganda official later revealed that she had experienced contact during both hurdle incidents.

The first destabilised her, and the second proved catastrophic. Fortunately, initial fears of a serious injury were eased when doctors confirmed she had only twisted her ankle, painful, but not as severe as originally feared.

With Chemutai now out of contention, Uganda’s hopes for a medal in the 3000m steeplechase have dimmed. Attention now turns to Halima Nakaayi, whose consistent performances this season make her a strong contender, though she’ll need to elevate her game to meet the moment.

Nakaayi carries the weight of expectation as Team Uganda looks to her and Joy Cheptoyek for redemption and renewed hope. Nakaayi is set to compete in the first round of the women’s 800m, lining up in heat 5.

Meanwhile, Cheptoyek faces a formidable challenge in her semifinal, racing alongside reigning World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet and runner-up Nadia Batocletti.

In short, Uganda’s medal dreams now rest on the shoulders of two determined women, ready to rise in the face of adversity.

World Athletics Championships

Women’s Steeplechase

F. Cherotich KEN 8:51.59

W. Yavi BAH 8:56.46

S. Alemayew  ETH 8:58.86

P. Chemutai DNF

Schedule for Day six

Women’s 5000m heat 1 1:05pm

Joy Cheptoyek

Womens 800m Heat 5 2:30pm

Halima Nakaayi