The National Olympic Committee-Kenya (NOC-K) has selected two-time Olympic winner Eliud Kipchoge and World Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum as part of Kenya’s Paris 2024 Olympics team.
Notably, the two were named in the first provisional squad of twenty men and women marathoners.
Undoubtedly, the two marathon titans stand as pillars in the formidable team, a roster that will soon be trimmed to the final ten.
Yet, amid the selection process, it’s crystal clear that these two are automatic choices for the last five slots for men.
Athletics Kenya revealed that the decision is grounded in the athletes’ stellar performances throughout the year.
Notably, this was among factors set for consideration by Athletics Kenya, including world rankings.
In the echoing corridors of anticipation, the stage is set for an epic marathon clash that promises to unravel an unprecedented rivalry.
Kipchoge vs Kiptum
On one side stands Eliud Kipchoge, the reigning Olympic champion, and the only human to conquer the marathon in under two hours.
A legend in his own right, Kipchoge has etched his name in the marathon hall of fame, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
In the opposite corner is Kelvin Kiptum, the new sheriff in town, a 23-year-old dynamo whose meteoric rise has sent shockwaves through the marathon world.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum-From Humble Beginnings to Breaking World Record
Notably, Kiptum shattered Kipchoge’s world marathon record in the Chicago Marathon in October 2023, in what was just his third race.
In addition, this marked the inception of a rivalry that has since captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
Kiptum’s Meteoric Rise
Kiptum, previously a half marathon specialist, made a seismic shift to marathons in the Valencia Marathon on December 4, 2022.
His debut further saw him seize victory with a stunning time of 2:01:53, setting the stage for an extraordinary career in the marathon arena.
However, it was his historic run in the Chicago Marathon that elevated Kiptum to household name status.
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Clocking a blistering 2:00:35, he not only broke the 2:01 barrier but also surpassed Kipchoge’s record of 2:01:09 set in the BMW Berlin Marathon 2022.
At just 23, Kiptum now proudly holds the African and World Men’s Marathon Records.
His triumph in the TCS London Marathon in April 2023, finishing in 2:01:25, only 16 seconds shy of Kipchoge’s world record, solidified Kiptum’s meteoric rise.
Kipchoge the GOAT
In contrast, Eliud, a marathon legend, has claimed two Olympic marathon titles in the Rio 2016 Olympics and Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His crowning achievement came in Vienna at the INEOS Challenge, where he shattered barriers by completing a marathon in an astonishing 1:59:06, marking the first sub-two-hour marathon in history.
Additionally, Kipchoge holds the record of the most wins at the Berlin Marathon, winning the German Marathon for a record fifth time in September 2023.
Also Read: Dr. Eliud Kipchoge Shares Wise Words at JKUAT Graduation
As Kiptum’s star ascended, Eliud acknowledged the record-breaker’s prowess, stating, “I am looking forward to seeing records being broken because I have shown them the way.”
In October, Kiptum expressed eagerness to face Kipchoge at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Kipchoge, unshaken, welcomed the challenge, expressing his anticipation for the showdown.
As the marathon world braces for this clash of titans, the question looming large is who will emerge victorious in this mythic rivalry that transcends generations?
The Paris 2024 Olympics promise not only a battle for gold but a spectacle that will etch itself into the rich tapestry of marathon history.
Indeed, the countdown to greatness has begun.
Kenya’s provisional Paris 2024 marathon team: Full long-list
Men: Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Vincent Kipkemoi Ng’etich, Timothy Kiplagat, Benson Kipruto, Bernard Kiprop Koech, Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, Amos Kipruto, Titus Kipruto
Women: Ruth Chepng’etich, Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Peres Jepchichir, Judith Jeptum Korir, Seley Chepyego Kaptich, Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi, Brigid Kosgei
