Two-time World Cross Country champion, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda, is currently battling for his life after he was involved in a near-fatal accident which could see him miss the 2024 Paris Olympics Games starting in July.
According to a police statement, the accident occurred on Tuesday after Kiplimo’s vehicle careened off the road in Kween District in Eastern Uganda.
The police statement stated that though the 23-year-old Kiplimo escaped what was a potentially catastrophic road crash, he emerged with injuries which could hamper his Olympics participation.
The accident happened a few days after Kiplimo, the newly crowned World Cross Country Champion of 2024, returned to the country from his triumphant outing in Belgrade, Serbia, where he clinched victory in 28 minutes and 09 seconds.
“Witnesses recounted how Kiplimo’s vehicle veered off the road just a few kilometers away from his village,” a Ugandan media platform, New Vision wrote.
“Stranded and shaken, the 23-year-old athlete, trapped in his vehicle, could only rely on the assistance of onlookers until he was finally rescued.
“Despite the frightening ordeal, Kiplimo sustained minor physical injuries, for which he expressed profound gratitude.
“I’m not sure how much body damage internally this could have caused to me but I am grateful to God for shielding me. It could have been worse,” he was quoted as saying.
“Following the accident, Kiplimo was promptly transported to Kapchorwa town for medical evaluation and treatment. However, the full extent of his injuries remain uncertain, raising concerns about Uganda’s prospects for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
“Blame for the crash was attributed to the poor road conditions in Kween district, particularly the route leading to Kiplimo’s residence in the Benet sub-county,” the platform wrote.