By Tony Kipkorir
Former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has cleared the air on rumors surrounding his retirement plans.
Social media platforms have been awash with numerous reports alleging that the decorated Kenyan athlete will not feature again in competitive races.
However, the double Olympic champion, who remains the first and only man to complete a marathon race in under 2 hours, has come out to rubbish the claims, stating that he is not done yet.
According to Kipchoge, his fans should expect to see him taking part in a number of marathon races in the near future.
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“I have resumed training for the last three weeks, but I am taking it very slowly. I want to peak slowly, then try to move on slowly.
I had to take time off to adjust. To see what’s going on. Just pick up again and move on. It was tough but I think I am going on well. I still want to run a few more marathons,” he was quoted by the Olympics website.
The 39-year-old father of three however confirmed that he will not run in any other Olympic Games.
Kipchoge made headlines in the recently held 2024 Paris edition where he failed to finish the race.
The outcome in the streets of the French capital made some Kenyans to plead with him to exit the stage before experiencing further humiliation.
Eliud Kipchoge
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However, for Kipchoge, quitting the sport he loves is not an option at the moment because he believes he still has a lot to give.
“All the stories have been about quitting when you are up. I want to sell a new story. Why don’t you just do other things and do it smoothly.
Put your foot on another thing which is associated with running and still give inspiration and make the world united again through running,” he commented.
Kipchoge ended by revealing that when the times comes for him to retire, he will not venture into the coaching field because he is not fit for it.
ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent
Tujiamini is an initiative that seeks to provide a platform, including up to 30M shillings in funding, for individual, team sports and various talent, in a year-long campaign that will go around the country in a move aimed at evoking the sense of pride in Kenya’s sports and talent ecosystem.
Applicants are urged to submit their applications through www.tujiamini.co.ke