Dj Vnyash
In the early 2000s, a young Eliud Kipchoge’s initial ambition was simply to travel to Europe by plane. Now, two decades later at 39, the Kenyan marathon icon is gearing up for what could be his final challenge at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. His goal on August 11 is to etch his name in history by becoming the first person to win the Olympic marathon three consecutive times, surpassing the achievements of Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila (1960, 1964) and Germany’s Waldemar Cierpinski (1976, 1980).
Paris holds significant memories for Kipchoge; it was there in 2003 that the then 18-year-old burst onto the international stage, clinching the 5,000 meters world championship gold ahead of renowned runners like Hicham El Gerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele. Despite this early success, Kipchoge’s sole major track victory came in Paris.
Turning to road racing after missing out on qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics, Kipchoge found his stride and achieved greatness. Known for his smooth, rhythmic running style, he shattered the marathon world record twice, setting times of 2:01:39 in 2018 and 2:01:09 in 2022. He also made history by completing the marathon distance in under two hours, albeit in a specially organized unofficial event in Vienna in 2019.
Since 2013, Kipchoge has dominated official marathons, winning 16 out of 20 races, including 11 majors (five in Berlin, four in London, one each in Tokyo and Chicago), in addition to Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021.
Raised by his mother in the village of Kapsisiywa in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Kipchoge’s journey into athletics was initially driven by a desire to travel rather than dreams of athletic glory. Inspired by watching Patrick Sang, a neighbor and Olympic medalist, during his training sessions, Kipchoge approached Sang for a training program in 2001, marking the beginning of a mentorship that continues to this day.
Living a disciplined lifestyle focused on running, Kipchoge spends nine months each year at an elite camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, meticulously documenting his training in notebooks. Despite his multi-million dollar earnings from victories and sponsorships, he maintains a modest lifestyle, balancing his athletic career with interests in farming and reading.
However, Kipchoge has faced challenges, including online harassment and death threats following recent setbacks in marathon races. Despite these trials, he remains resilient, emphasizing that the marathon reflects life’s ups and downs, and he continues to strive for greatness.
Looking ahead to Paris, Kipchoge’s ambition to secure a historic third Olympic title stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport, spanning over two decades at the pinnacle of marathon running.
