Kipsiro given chance to defend title
Jun 12, 2014
The national athletics federation technical committee has given Moses Kipsiro a chance to defend his double title at the Commonwealth Games.
By Norman Katende
The national athletics federation technical committee has given Moses Kipsiro a chance to defend his double title at the Commonwealth Games.
Despite not taking part in any track competition this season, Kipsiro was among the surprise inclusion while perennial contender Benjamin Kiplagat was dropped off the team to give room for the women relay team.
Kipsiro won the 5000m and 10000m gold medal at the last Commonwealth games in New Delhi in 2010.
“He is a defending champion and we are giving him a chance to try and defend his title,” said the federation head of technical, Faustino Kiwa, as he released the final list.
Kipsiro will combine with Moses Kibet and Timothy Toroitich to search for Uganda’s medal in the long distances while Solomon Mutai, Abraham Kiplimo and Philip Kiplimo will be battling for the marathon title.
The list has Dennis Opio as the only junior who will also be taking part in the games as part of the men’s long relay event.
“Most juniors are going to take part in the longer races and by the time they travel from Oregon to Glasgow, their races will be over save for Opio,” said Kiwa.
Kiwa explained that the 3000m steeplechase athletes are week but they included Jacob Araptany because he is currently the stronger on all of them.
The team:
World junior team:
Joshua Cheptegei, Philip Kipyeko, Abdallah Mande, Denis Opio and Stella Chesang
Commonwealth Games:
Solomon Mutai, Abraham Kiplimo, Philip Kiplimo, Moses Kibet, Moses Kipsiro, Timothy Toroitich, Jacob Araptany, Ronald Musagala, Denis Opio, Emmanuel Tugumisirize, Ali Ngaimoko, Anthony Okiror, Vanis Chemutai , Linnet Toroitich Chebet, Winny Nanyondo, Emily Nanziri, Shida Lenya and Halima Nakaayi
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