Many fans have speculated that the 39-year-old will retire after the 2024 Paris Olympics, but Kipchoge has made his stance on the situation clear.
Legendary Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has addressed talk of potentially retiring after this year's Olympics.
Kipchoge has struggled to get the season off to a good start after his disastrous loss at the Tokyo Marathon in March, leaving concerned fans wondering if he still has what it takes to win a third straight Olympic marathon.
Amid rumors that this year's Olympics could mark the end of an illustrious 20-year career, Kipchoge gave a thoughtful answer.
“I will retire if I can convince you that the moment I cross the finish line, the whole world will be a world of running.” Kipchoge told Reuters.
Regarding the possibility of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Kipchoge cited a Kenyan proverb.
“You know in Kenya they say you can't chase two rabbits at a time or you'll miss them all. You're only chasing one rabbit. So what I'm chasing now is… It's the Olympic rabbit.”
“Then you go back to the drawing board, check things off your bucket list, and start working on the next thing.”
One notable absentee from the Kenyan marathon team named last week was Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in February.
Athletics Kenya last week named defending women's marathon champion Perez Jepchirchir on its shortlist for the Paris Marathon, along with Kipchoge, Benson Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat, Birgid Kosgei and Helen Obiri.
Reflecting on the possibility of a new marathon running record, Kipchoge said: “We have a lot of talented athletes…first, dare to think about breaking out, and second, dare to do it. I showed them the way.”
Regarding his disappointing performance at the Tokyo Marathon, Kipchoge succinctly stated: “I think I was just tired…I don't know what happened, but this is life, this is sport, this is the beauty of sports.”
As Kipchoge navigates uncertainty over his future in competitive running, fans are wondering whether his legacy as one of the world's greatest marathoners will be a triumphant return to the Olympic podium or a graceful transition into retirement. I look forward to his next move, knowing it's a sure thing. All times are already firmly fixed.
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