Legendary Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge has opened up about his most memorable achievements, personal beliefs, and surprising experiences in a recent rapid-fire question-and-answer session that has captivated social media.
The two-time Olympic champion, who has already set his sights on future challenges after a disappointing finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared some revealing insights about his career and life.
Kipchoge’s quest for a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal was cut short in Paris due to a hip problem, forcing him to drop out of the race.
Despite this setback, Kipchoge remains optimistic and is eager to tackle new challenges. Reflecting on his illustrious career, he pinpointed a singular moment that stands out above the rest: breaking the two-hour barrier in the marathon.
“My proudest moment as a marathon runner was when I broke the two-hour barrier in Vienna,” Kipchoge revealed to Mpasho.
This achievement, accomplished in October 2019, saw Kipchoge become the first human to run a marathon in under two hours, clocking an astonishing time of 1:59:40.2. The historic run in Vienna solidified his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time.
Kipchoge also shared some personal details during the Q&A session. When asked about his favorite Bible verse, he cited Esther, underscoring his Christian faith.
He also named British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton as his hero, acknowledging the racing icon’s multiple world championships and his impact on the sport.
In a lighthearted moment, Kipchoge revealed that the person he texts the most is his wife, further showcasing his grounded and family-oriented nature. His favorite quote, which has inspired him throughout his career, is,
“Those who believe in themselves are the ones who can go far.” This philosophy of self-belief has undoubtedly been a cornerstone of Kipchoge’s success.
Despite his calm and composed demeanor, Kipchoge acknowledged that he has faced challenging moments throughout his career. When asked about misconceptions people have about him, he responded,
“People think I am selfish because they cannot manipulate me,” Kipchoge said on another Q &A with The Star.
Kipchoge also recounted a surprising encounter with a fan, describing how he was suddenly confronted by someone who jumped onto him, leaving him momentarily stunned. Such incidents underscore the unique challenges that come with being a globally recognized athlete.
Reflecting on his career, Kipchoge shared that his favorite years have been his thirties—a decade in which he achieved incredible milestones, including two Olympic gold medals and his sub-two-hour marathon run. When asked why these years were the best, Kipchoge explained, “It is the moment you realize what you want to become in the future.”
As he looks ahead, Kipchoge continues to uphold the values that have guided him to greatness. His advice to the younger generation aiming to follow in his footsteps is simple yet profound: “To be disciplined, focused, and believe in themselves.”
