Eliud Kipchoge, the esteemed Kenyan long-distance runner and two-time Olympic champion, has finally spoken after his surprising performance at the Tokyo Marathon.
Kipchoge acknowledged the challenges he faced in the race and congratulated all participants who managed to cross the finish line.
He told the media that “not every day is Christmas” after his Paris Games preparations hit a snag with a 10th-place finish at Sunday’s Tokyo Marathon behind winner Benson Kipruto.
“I was fit enough but something happened in the middle of the race, and I think it’s early to say now (about Paris). I can go back, relax and start training,” he told Japan’s Nippon TV.
Taking to his social media account with a composed demeanor, Kipchoge reflected on the highs and lows inherent in the world of sports.
“I can only say that sport is about good days and bad days. Unfortunately, today was a bad day for me,” he remarked.
Also Read: Eliud Kipchoge Finishes 10th as Another Kenyan Rises to Win Tokyo Marathon
Two -Time Champion Congratulates Marathon Winners
Despite his personal disappointment, Kipchoge extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the participants who successfully finished the race.
“I want to congratulate all participants who reached the finish line, all pursuing their own goals and dreams,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to Tokyo and the fans around the world for their love and support.
“Thank you, Tokyo, and to the fans around the world for all your love and support. We take the lessons of today for the build-up of tomorrow,” he said looking towards the future with optimism and determination.
The marathoner went into the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday 3rd March as the big-name favorite to win, but he was humbled as Benson Kipruto emerged the winner.
Also Read: Benson Kipruto: Athlete Who Dethroned Olympic Champion Eliud Kipchoge
Eliud Kipchoge Struggles at Tokyo 2024
Kipchoge, who held the course record with 2:02:40 previously, began to struggle from 20km onwards.
The 39-year-old faded badly at around the 20km mark and crossed the line in 2:06:50.
The champion’s placement in 10th marks his lowest position since his marathon debut in Hamburg back in 2013.
This follows less than a year after his sixth-place finish at the 2023 Boston Marathon in April, where he recorded a time of 2:09:23.
However, he bounced back impressively by securing victory at the Berlin Marathon just five months later in September 2023, clocking an impressive time of 2:02:42.
Kipchoge faced another disappointing performance in a major race during the 2020 London Marathon, where he finished eighth with a time of 2:09:23.
This marked only the third instance in 19 major races where he didn’t secure a top-two finish.
