Jacob Kiplimo secured a triumphant repeat victory at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade 24, etching his name alongside renowned champions who have achieved back-to-back wins in the senior men’s category.
In a thrilling race, Kiplimo maneuvered through a field of formidable contenders, including past champions Kenenisa Bekele, Geoffrey Kamworor, and Paul Tergat. His determined stride mirrored the resilience of his predecessors as he surged ahead to maintain his title. Notably, Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi mirrored his performance from the previous championship to claim the silver, while Kenya’s Benson Kiplangat seized an unexpected bronze.
The race witnessed strategic moves from various athletes, with Chimdessa Debele of Ethiopia initially leading the pack, closely trailed by France’s Mehdi Frere. However, the dynamics shifted as the race progressed, with Kenya’s Gideon Rono and ultimately Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei asserting their presence.
As the clock ticked past 24 minutes, Kiplimo accelerated, with Aregawi tailing closely. Kiplangat, despite being an underdog, showcased remarkable resilience to secure a podium finish. The team rivalry intensified, with Uganda and Kenya locked in a fierce battle for supremacy.
Kiplimo’s dominance became evident in the final lap as he surged ahead, fueled by the determination to retain his title. Crossing the finish line in 28:09, he cemented his status as a formidable force in cross-country running. Aregawi replicated his performance from the previous year, securing silver, while Kiplangat’s unexpected podium finish added to Kenya’s team success.
Reflecting on his victory, Kiplimo expressed the exhilaration of defending his title amidst formidable competition. Despite the challenges posed by the fast-paced race and the scorching heat, he remained undeterred in his pursuit of excellence. With his sights set on Olympic gold, Kiplimo aims to emulate the success of his compatriot Cheptegei, highlighting his ambitions in the 10,000m event.
With Beatrice Chebet’s successful defense in the senior women’s category, the championship witnessed a rare feat, marking only the fifth occasion in history where both senior men’s and women’s champions retained their titles at the World Cross Country Championships.
