Kenyans on social media expressed mixed reactions after legendary athlete Eliud Kipchoge failed to congratulate Kevin Kiptum who smashed his world record.
Kiptum set a new world record after clocking 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon outdoing Kipchoge’s world record of 2:01:099.
The new champion received praises from Kenyans including President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
“Kelvin Kiptum has written a new chapter in Marathon history, winning the Chicago Marathon in a majestic, staggering, and mind-boggling time of 2:00:35.
He becomes the first human being to break the 2:01 barrier in competitive running. Congratulations, Kelvin, the new King of the Marathon,” said President Ruto.
However, Kenyans were left divided on the decision by Eliud Kipchoge not to acknowledge Kiptum for his achievement.
Divided opinion
Some users on X interpreted the silence differently with some criticizing Eliud Kipchoge of being selfish while others defended him.
“4 hours later, the former record holder Eliud Kipchoge has not yet congratulated Kelvin Kiptum for breaking the Marathon World Record! But if I talk, you will say I have issues. Let God be the judge,” said a user by the name Thirsty Kipsoiwet.
Lord Abraham Mutai tweeted that the defeat of Kipchoge in the races he has dominated is near, especially with the emergence of Kiptum.
Further, he asked the athlete to consider his advice on retiring from athletics adding that his advisors should tell him the truth.
“I haven’t seen a tweet from Eliud Kipchoge congratulating Kiptum for smashing the world record set by Kipchoge himself.
What could be wrong with Kipchoge who keeps bombarding us with motivational quotes on how you must stretch the limits? Kiptum did stretch those limits, right? asked Mutai.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum-From Humble Beginnings to Breaking World Record
Further, a username Felix questioned why Kipchoge was yet to congratulate Kiptum for breaking his record.
In Kipchoge’s defense, Robert replied arguing that the athlete could have congratulated Kiptum via a phone call and not on social media.
“Everything has to be done here, that’s why he has a Twitter account,” said Felix.
Moreover, Felix advised Kipchoge to take a few minutes and congratulate Kiptum to avoid online trolling.
“If I were Eliud Kipchoge, I would have taken just one minute to post and congratulate Kelvin Kiptum for breaking my record.
It’s a simple way to avoid the trolls from Kenyans on X and spread positivity in the running community,” he said.
Not Compulsory
Additionally, a user named The Nairobbiyan accused him of being selfish, predicting that the athlete will not congratulate Kiptum.
However, a section of the users defended Kipchoge’s silence arguing that he is should not be compelled to congratulate Kiptum.
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A user named The Pharisee said Kipchoge is the greatest of all time (GOAT) athlete and doesn’t need to congratulate the new record holder.
“Eliud kipchoge is the GOAT. He doesn’t need to congratulate sheep. You can’t congratulate a man who won a betting jackpot, no. I stand with Eliud, don’t congratulate Kevin Kiptum,” he said.
On the other hand, Clive urged Kenyans to stop attacking Kipchoge unnecessarily adding that congratulations are not even compulsory.
“I am seeing a lot of Kenyans working hard day and night trying to push an unnecessary agenda concerning Eliud Kipchoge. Congratulating someone doesn’t have to be on social media for everyone to see, nor is it a compulsory act. We are all proud of Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud,” said Clive.
Similarly, Kaysparks reasoned that the athlete is not entitled to congratulate Kiptum adding that he might have postponed his congratulations.
Kipchoge X account
As of 11:00am Tuesday, October 10, Eliud Kipchoge’s X account was last updated on Friday, October 6 which was a retweet of a post by NN Running Team.
Priori this, he had posted a photo of himself reading a book on Wednesday, October 4 with the caption “enjoying my days off at home in Kenya”.
At the same time, the last post on his Facebook account was on September 28.