We covered this article last spring.
In his third Olympic marathon (his fifth Olympic team, 2004, 2008, 2016, 2020, 2024), Eliud Kipchoge walked around 28k for several minutes, then ran to 30k, hitting 1:39:50 before he retired.
Eliud Kipchoge is a true warrior. He informed the Olympic media that he will no longer participate in the Olympics. It seemed like Eliud experienced cramps early on.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
This piece serves as a reminder of Eliud’s contributions to the sport.
The final days of Eliud Kipchoge: How much more can he give to the running world?
Eliud Kipchoge is undeniably the greatest marathoner in history. When Pheidippides first ran the marathon over 2,000 years ago, no one could have imagined a human breaking the sub-2-hour barrier, but Kipchoge achieved this feat with his 1:59:40 run in Austria four years ago.
Although not officially recognized as a world record, Kipchoge’s attempt and success speak volumes about his impact on the running world in his prime years. His 16 out of 19 marathon wins are simply remarkable, considering the historical significance of the marathon event.
Every good thing must come to an end eventually. Even the greatest athletes in history have their moments of vulnerability, and recognizing when to retire is crucial. Signs began to appear for Kipchoge, especially after seeing Kelvin Kiptum break his marathon world record in Chicago.
As Kipchoge nears his late 30s, questions arise about the sustainability of his exceptional career. Can he continue to dominate the marathon world as other athletes approach retirement age? Despite Kipchoge’s age, Kelvin Kiptum’s emergence brought new dynamics to the marathon scene.
Kiptum’s swift rise in the international marathon circuit, culminating in his record-breaking Chicago Marathon victory, shook the running community. This unexpected turn of events underscores the ever-evolving nature of the sport.
While the world applauded Kiptum’s accomplishments, the focus shifted back to Kipchoge. Can he maintain his status as the premier marathon runner, even as he approaches his 40s?
Kipchoge’s success isn’t only attributed to his physical prowess but also to his mental strength. His unwavering self-belief, discipline, and dedication to improvement set him apart as a remarkable athlete. His meticulous training regimen and holistic approach to health and recovery have defied conventional age barriers.
His mantra, “No human is limited,” encapsulates his mindset of pushing the boundaries of human achievement and pursuing dreams relentlessly.
Kipchoge’s dedication has paid off with two Olympic gold medals, from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. These accolades solidify his status as one of the greatest Olympians in history. His pursuit of a third gold in Paris 2024 is not just an ambition but a testament to his enduring legacy.
As the world anticipates the 2024 Olympics in Paris, a monumental battle looms. Kipchoge and Kiptum, representing different eras of marathon running, will not only vie for victory but also for a place in history. In their captivating rivalry, the ageless champion seeks to reaffirm his limitless capabilities.
Paris offers him another opportunity to create history, as no man has ever won three marathon golds at the Games. He would also be the first to achieve this feat after triumphs in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021.
Kipchoge remains unfazed by skeptics who believe he may be too old to contend for gold in Paris. Drawing parallels with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton, he emphasizes the importance of pushing through pain to achieve success.
“When you feel real pain, that is where success lies, so pressing on is the only way to succeed. Pain is a positive thing,” Kipchoge affirms. His pursuit of gold in Paris symbolizes human potential, an age-defying spirit, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
