KAMPALA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen Ugandan athletes have qualified for the 2018 IAAF World Junior Championship slated for July 10-15 in Tampere, Finland.
Jacob Kiplimo, who won gold in the men's U-20 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championship and finished fourth in the 10,000m race at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia, is part of the team.
"We are happy that so far close to 20 athletes have hit the qualification times, but we have 13 who are on the final squad because we are required to file two best athletes in each category," Dominic Otuchet, president of the Uganda Athletics Federation told Xinhua on Monday.
Otuchet said that the Championship is meant for athletes qualifying as juniors (born no later than Jan. 1, 1999).
"We are happy that about four of our athletes who got the Commonwealth Games experience have also qualified for the World Junior Championship. As a federation we are optimistic our team will perform well," added Otuchet.
In the 2016 World Junior Championship held in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Uganda won one bronze medal through Jacob Kiplimo in the 10,000m race. The United States topped the medal standing with 21, while China finished 8th with two gold medals and one silver medal.
"I am looking forward this time to go all out for gold after winning bronze last time. I know athletes from different countries and regions have also improved, but I am preparing seriously for the championship," Kiplimo told Xinhua on Monday.
Following is the team: Jacob Kiplimo, Victor Kiplagat, Abel Sikowo, Matthew Chepkirui, Albert Chemutai, Hose Kiplagat, Daniel Kiprop and Caleb Kwemoi, Farid Wabitia, Sarah Chelangat, Peruth Chemutai, Belinda Chemutai and Josephine Lalam. Enditem
