Eliud Kipchoge names two things that stand in his way to making history at Paris Olympics

Eliud Kipchoge has revealed two things that will pose challenges as he looks to win his third Olympic title at the Paris Olympic Games.

Defending champion Eliud Kipchoge has cited two things that will be a challenge as he looks to make history by winning his third successive marathon title.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion noted that he has already observed the course, admitting that the race will not be an easy task. He noted that it is not a flat course, making the race a challenge for all the athletes.

Kipchoge added that the weather in Paris is usually hot in August, making it the second challenge in his quest for top honours. Kipchoge will also be making his fifth appearance at the Olympics.

“I’ve gone through the course and it’s very challenging…it’s very hot in Paris in August and second, the course is up and down and that is a huge challenge to everybody. Nevertheless, I don’t want to complain because all of us will be running on the same terrain and the same weather,” Kipchoge told CGTN Sport.

The four-time London Marathon champion is also aware of the tough competition that awaits him on the global stage. He knows that everyone has prepared well for the race and it will be all about the one who executes the race well.

He also has sweet memories of Paris, since it was the first place where he competed on the global stage, competing at the 2003 World Championships where he won a gold medal in the 5000m. He will also be eyeing history, being the first Kenyan to make five appearances at the Olympic Games.

“All of us will be fighting and I always say that the best trained and the best prepared will carry the day. I’m excited to see how competitive the events will be from the short distance events, to the long distance, to swimming,” the two-time Olympic champion said.

“The year 2003 was the beginning of my life in sport and I can say I’m happy to go back there and compete and show the world where my life began and show the longevity and love for sport,” he added.

posted Friday July 26th
by Abigael Wafula