Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning men’s marathon world record holder, has expressed his readiness to take on the legendary Eliud Kipchoge at the Paris 2024 Olympics if he’s picked to represent Kenya.
“I’m looking forward to competing with Eliud if I get selected to represent Kenya at the coming Olympics. I’m ready to race with him,” he declared.
Kiptum, who clocked an astonishing record of 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon, chopped 34 seconds off Kipchoge’s previous record set in 2022.
Fresh from his historic win in the United States, the 23-year old’s return to Kenya was a triumphant affair.
Likewise, Kiptum was warmly received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by ecstatic family, friends, and adoring fans on Tuesday, October 10.
Kiptum joins Kipyegon
The Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts awarded him Ksh5 million in recognition of his extraordinary record-breaking achievement.
Consequently, Kiptum becomes the second athlete this year to be awarded by the Government for breaking world records, after Faith Kipyegon was awarded with a similar amount and a house in June by President Ruto.
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His declaration ignited excitement among Kenyan sports enthusiast amid online uproar by some Kenyans, who are bewildered by Kipchoge’s conspicuous silence and lack of a congratulatory message.
Half-marathon specialist
The soft-spoken athlete, just 18 years old in 2019, emerged as a half-marathon specialist, winning the Kass FM Eldoret Half Marathon with a remarkable time of 1:02:01.
His international debut at the Lisbon Half Marathon in March 2019 saw him finish fifth and set a personal best of 59:54.
Moreover, Kiptum continued to shine in half-marathons across the globe, competing in races in Japan, Denmark, Netherlands, France, and Spain, before venturing into the marathon world.
The record holder now owns three of the top six best marathon finishes, after venturing into the marathon world.
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His victory in Chicago wasn’t just any win; it marked only his third marathon, an astonishing achievement.
Kiptum earnings
What’s more, the win came with a substantial reward, as he pocketed a remarkable $150,000 (Ksh22.3 million), with $100,000 being the prize money and an additional $50,000 for setting the world and course record.
Shortly after being awarded the Ksh5 million cheque by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Kiptum revealed that breaking the marathon world record wasn’t initially in his sights.
“The world record for me, I think it speaks a lot to me. My dream was to break the world record maybe next year or 2025, but unfortunately it has come true so I’m incredibly happy,” Kiptum said as fans burst into laughter.
Moreover, he will be looking forward to battling it out with two-time Olympic champion Kipchoge if both are selected to represent Kenya at the Paris Summer 2024 Olympics.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum-From Humble Beginnings to Breaking World Record
Meanwhile, Sports CS Namwamba called on Kenyan athletes to be proud representing the Kenyan colors asserting that the Ministry is well prepared to support them for the upcoming Olympics.
The Kenya Men’s Rugby 7s and National Women’s Volleyball Teams have already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.