Faith Kipyegon jumps to Eliud Kipchoge's defence following Paris Olympics performance

Faith Kipyegon has defended Eliud Kipchoge’s performance at the Paris Olympic Games, noting that the legendary marathoner just had a bad day at the office.

Kipchoge went to the Olympic Games intending to become the first man to win back-to-back-to-back Olympic titles in the marathon but his dream flopped after he failed to finish the race.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion won his first Olympic marathon title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games before defending his title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“The results in Paris, he was not expecting. He was hoping to become the first man to win back-to-back-to-back Olympic titles. However, things didn’t go as planned but we respect him,” Kipyegon said in an interview with Citizen TV.

The three-time Olympic champion noted that Kipchoge was well prepared but a few challenges during the race hindered him from displaying his full potential. She insisted that his results in Paris are not a definition of the legacy Kipchoge has and she will always respect him as one of the greatest athletes to ever exist.

During the Paris Olympic Games closing ceremony, the double world champion admitted that she was honoured to have carried the flag alongside Kipchoge, a four-time London Marathon champion. She explained that Kipchoge continues to inspire athletes all around the world despite the setback.

“Eliud was okay and he had a few challenges during the race. He is the GOAT and I really respect him because I even follow in his footsteps. To have achieved what he has achieved is really inspiring. I was honoured to have held the Kenyan flag alongside him during the closing ceremony…we were flag bearers,” Kipyegon said.

“I was telling myself that if I could carry the flag alongside Kipchoge, then I would be the next GOAT. Eliud is my training partner, we train together in Kaptagat under the same management. He has inspired not only those of us who train with him but also all athletes in Kenya.”