Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge’s illustrious career came to an unexpected end at the Paris Olympics, as the 39-year-old Kenyan legend handed over his running shoes to a fan and retired from the race at the 30-kilometer mark.
Kipchoge, the only athlete to run a marathon under two hours (albeit in an unofficial race), had hoped to cap off his career with a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, he found himself struggling to keep pace with the leaders and was approximately eight minutes behind when he made the difficult decision to withdraw.
As he approached the sidelines, Kipchoge turned to the cheering crowd and handed over his shoes, bib, and socks to a group of supporters. The gesture was met with a thunderous ovation, as fans recognized the significance of the moment. Kipchoge then climbed into a waiting van and was driven away, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievement.
Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola emerged victorious in the race, setting a new Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds. Tola described the victory as the “greatest day” of his life, while Kipchoge acknowledged the disappointment of his retirement.
“This is my worst marathon,” Kipchoge said. “I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life.”
Kipchoge revealed that he had experienced pain in his back after the 20-kilometer mark, which ultimately forced him to withdraw. Despite the setback, he remained uncertain about his future.
“I don’t know what my future will hold,” Kipchoge said. “I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons.”
Kipchoge’s retirement marks the end of an era in marathon running. His exceptional talent and unwavering determination have inspired countless athletes and fans around the world. While his Olympic dream may have ended prematurely, his legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all time will endure.
