Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge’s historic bid to win three consecutive Olympic marathon gold medals has ended in a heartbreak.
In the 42km men’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Games on Saturday, August 10, Kipchoge did not finish the race. He earlier seemed to struggle to keep the pace.
The 39-year-old former world record holder withdrew from the race just after the 31km mark. At that time, he was position 71st and over eight minutes off the pace.
In videos seen by TUKIO.co.ke, after withdrawing from the race, Kipchoge turned to fans and handed them his shoes, bid and socks.
Many sports pundits have opined that this would be Kipchoge’s last dance but he remains to be considered the ‘Greatest of All Time’ having several prestigious awards in his fold.
In the race, Ethiopian Tamirat Tola emerged victorious, setting a new Olympic record.
Tola clocked an Olympic record of 2.06.26 for victory, finishing 21 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Bashir Abdi.
Kenya was forced to settle for third after 2024 Tokyo marathon winner Benson Kipruto held on for the bronze.