After the underwhelming performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, rumors emerged that the legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge had retired from athletics.
In the Saturday, August 10, 42km male race, Kipchoge’s historic bid to win three consecutive Olympic marathon gold medals ended in heartbreak as he did not finish the race.
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.
Read Also: Heartbreak as Eliud Kipchoge Withdraws from Paris Olympics Marathon
However, speaking after arriving back in the country at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kipchoge, considered the ‘Greatest of All Time’ following his unparalleled achievements, dismissed the allegations that he had retired.
In fact, the long-distance marathon star said he had set his eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“As an athlete, I will be at the Olympics (2028 Los Angeles Olympics) in another capacity to inspire hope and optimism not just in my country and continent, but across the entire world,” said Kipchoge.
The No Human is Limited coiner, however, emphasised his wish for emerging athletes to shine and break records including his own 1:59:40 in Vienna.
In the race that Kipchoge ‘disappointed’, 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.
