Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge holds firm to the belief that clinching a third consecutive Olympic victory is within reach. However, he foresees a formidable challenge awaiting him at the marathon event in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Speaking in Eldoret upon his inclusion in the final men’s marathon team, which also comprises the likes of London Marathon victor Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Eliud Kipchoge expressed confidence in the attainability of the goal while maintaining a cautious optimism.
Kipchoge’s aspiration to secure a historic third Olympic marathon gold underscores his unparalleled achievements, having triumphed in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021.
“I really want to have a good performance. I therefore believe in my preparation and learning that I will be preparing and planning well.
“However, this is sport and accepting the outcome will really make it enjoyable. Making it this far is a huge calling and I trust to have a good performance.”
At 39 years old, Kipchoge is poised to make history as the oldest Kenyan track and field athlete to grace the Olympic stage. Furthermore, he will etch his name in the annals of Kenyan sports history as the first athlete across all disciplines to partake in five successive Olympic Games.
“The Olympic Games is what we all dream of as little kids starting out with our sport and is what motivates us the most today. I am beyond proud to be selected for the Kenyan team for the 5th time in my life. After winning the marathon gold medal in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, my focus will now be on Paris!”
Despite boasting an illustrious career in road racing, which encompasses an impressive streak of 10 consecutive marathon victories from 2014 to 2019 and the setting of world records in 2018 and 2022, the legendary athlete faced a setback in his most recent marathon. Finishing in 10th place at the Tokyo Marathon on March 3rd marked a rare moment of adversity for the accomplished runner.
