Athletics champion Joshua Cheptegei has been named Uganda’s World Cross Country team Captain.
Cheptegei’s leadership was proposed by teammates who are part of the world cross-country contingent and was approved by the National Coach and Vice President-technical of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), Benjamin Njia.
Njia told Uganda Radio Network that Cheptegei’s relationship with the entire national team is motivating and inspirational. “Having an athlete who is a role model in the sport to be a Captain like Cheptegei motivates teammates, Coaches and UAF, and the end result is a success,” he said.
Cheptegei welcomed the decision by teammates and UAF to entrust him with the responsibility of representing them during the World Athletics Cross Country Championships due to take place in Bathurst, Australia. The championship has attracted celebrated countries in long-distance running like Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
“Since I have been tasked to represent them, I will be transparent as much as possible,” Cheptegei told the Uganda Radio network at the National training camp in Kapchorwa.
Stella Chesang, the 10,000m, 2018 commonwealth gold medalist says Cheptegei is bold and fearless to address the matters concerning the national team in a championship.
“I remember, when we both won gold in Australia in 2018, Cheptegei was more of the spokesperson we trusted, so we chose him to keep helping us in such a way.” She said.
