In the early 2000s, a young Eliud Kipchoge dreamt of simply getting on a plane to Europe. Two decades later, the Kenyan marathon legend is heading to Paris for what could be his final challenge at the 2024 Olympics. At 39, Kipchoge aims to make history on August 11 by becoming the first person to win the Olympic marathon three times consecutively, surpassing Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila and Germany’s Waldemar Cierpinski.
Kipchoge’s international debut was in Paris in 2003, where he won the 5,000 meters world championship gold. Though it was his only major track prize, he found glory on the road after failing to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. Kipchoge has since twice broken the marathon world record and remains the only man to have completed a marathon in under two hours during an unofficial race in Vienna in 2019.
Raised by his mother in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, Kipchoge initially ran not for glory but to get to school and the shopping center. Inspired by neighbor Patrick Sang, an Olympic silver medalist, Kipchoge sought Sang’s guidance in 2001. Sang recognized Kipchoge’s determination, leading to a long-term mentor-protégé relationship. Kipchoge lives a disciplined life, training nine months a year at an elite camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, and meeting his family on weekends.
Despite his modest lifestyle, Kipchoge has earned millions from victories, world records, and sponsorships. He also owns a dairy and maize farm and a tea plantation. Known as the “philosopher” for his composure and love of reading, Kipchoge supports Tottenham Hotspur and enjoys motorsports, boxing, and ultimate fighting.
Kipchoge’s marathon career has seen little failure, but he finished sixth in Boston in 2023 and tenth in Tokyo in March, his worst-ever finish. He also faced online harassment and death threats after the death of Kenyan marathon prodigy Kelvin Kiptum. Despite these challenges, Kipchoge remains determined, viewing the marathon as a metaphor for life with its ups and downs.
His mentor, Sang, believes Kipchoge’s dream of winning a third Olympic title is within reach, noting his two-decade dominance in the sport.
