)
The Kenyan legend is now focused on securing a third Olympic marathon gold medal next year, further cementing his status as a marathon icon.
Reflecting on his recent setback in Boston, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge admits that the race still lingers in his mind, but he is eager to move forward.
The past two months have been more about reflection and analysis, but Kipchoge insists he remains determined to continue making history.
The Kenyan legend is now focused on securing a third Olympic marathon gold medal next year, further cementing his status as a marathon icon.
The priority now is to focus on the Olympics and win a third time. The other (challenges) will come later," Kipchoge disclosed in an interview with AFP at Kaptagat training camp in Kenya's Rift Valley.
"I'm doing well. My training is going on in a good way," he said, adding "At the end of July, I will know where to go."
Although victory has eluded the 38-year-old in both the Boston and New York marathons, conquering these races is a priority for Kipchoge.
The marathon maestro remains undeterred by concerns regarding hilly courses, such as those in Boston, New York, and Paris, where he will face similar challenges.
"It is not really a concern, but I respect everybody's thoughts," he asserts.
"I think it was a bad day, and every day is a different day. I'm looking forward to next year. Everybody can write anything; you have no control. But I know myself."
Kipchoge boasts of an incredible list of accolades, including two Olympic titles, a world record of 2:01:09 set in Berlin in 2022, and an impressive 15 victories in 18 marathons.
He famously broke the elusive two-hour barrier during a special event in Vienna in 2019, completing the marathon distance in an astonishing time of 1:59:40.
While not recognized as an official world record due to the unique circumstances, the feat solidified Kipchoge's position as a pioneer in the sport.
Winning either event would make him the first man to hold all six major marathon titles. Kipchoge does not rule out the possibility of relinquishing his other goals if the time comes to retire.
"If time comes to hang the racing shoes, I will say goodbye to other big things in sport," he states with a hint of reflection.
Kipchoge's previous Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021 have placed him on par with legendary athletes such as Ethiopia's Abebe Bikila (1960, 1964) and East Germany's Waldemar Cierpinski (1976, 1980).
Securing a third Olympic gold in Paris in 2024 would not only solidify his status as the marathon giant of the Games but also hold a deep symbolic significance for Kipchoge.
It was in the French capital that he won his first international title in 2003, claiming the 5,000 meters world championship crown ahead of esteemed athletes Hicham El Guerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)