The World Athletics Championships in Moscow are set to experience a notable reduction in African representation due to multiple withdrawals from various countries on the continent. Several prominent athletes, including Kenyans David Rudisha, Vivian Cheruiyot, Abel Kirui, Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi, South African Caster Semenya, and Burundian Francine Niyonsaba, have opted out of the competition for various reasons.
David Rudisha, the 2012 athlete of the year, has withdrawn due to a knee injury. Vivian Cheruiyot, the reigning world champion in the 5,000 and 10,000m, is pregnant and expecting her first child. Abel Kirui, the double world marathon title holder, has not recovered from a stress fracture of his right tibia sustained in April.
Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi is in poor shape due to a lack of preparation caused by a viral illness, and he has not trained for a year. South African Caster Semenya, the 800m world champion in 2009, is dealing with a knee injury that has affected her since winning a silver medal at the London Games.
Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi is out due to a strain she contracted during training. Additionally, Pamela Jelimo and Botswanan Nijel Amos will also be absent for unspecified reasons.
These withdrawals significantly impact Africa’s chances of winning medals at the championships, and the reasons for the injuries of certain athletes remain unclear. The absence of these accomplished athletes is a loss for the competition and a disappointment for fans hoping to see them showcase their talents on the global stage.
