By Peter Ochieng
Former marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge has expressed his delight at being included in the Kenyan Olympics marathon squad for a record 5th time.
Kipchoge made the cut for the 2024 men Paris Olympics squad, which also includes London marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo marathon champion Benson Kipruto.
The legendary Kipchoge finished 10th in the 2024 Tokyo marathon.
39-year-old Kipchoge says its the dream of every sportsman or woman to feature in the Olympics, adding that getting the nod for the 5th time is fantastic.
“The Olympic Games is what we all dream of as little kids starting out with our sport and is what motivates us the most today. I am beyond proud to be selected for the Kenyan team for the 5th time in my life. After winning the marathon gold medal in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, my focus will now be on Paris,” he said while speaking in Eldoret.
He said his focus is to come back with the Paris Olympics marathon gong later in the year. If he succeeds, he will become the first marathoner to win three Olympics marathon titles, after his success in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, 2016 and in Tokyo, Japan, 2021.
“I really want to have a good performance. I therefore believe in my preparation and learning that I will be preparing and planning well. However, this is sport and accepting the outcome will really make it enjoyable. Making it this far is a huge calling and I trust to have a good performance.”
He will be the oldest person to compete for the Olympics marathon title. 2024 Tokyo Marathon runner-up Timothy Kiplagat was placed as reserve for the men’s team.
On his part, Benson Kipruto promised to win gold in Paris, in honour of marathon world record holder, the late Kelvin Kiptum whose life was cut short through a tragic road accident in February.
“Kiptum was a great friend of mine. In Paris I’ll be racing in honour of him. I’ve been racing with him in various competitions including the Chicago marathon. He depicted great determination and focus. My performance in Paris, therefore, will be for his honour.”
The women’s team has reigning champion Peres Jepchirchir, Boston marathon winner Hellen Obiri and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei.
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei, expressed confidence the country will be sending a formidable team to Paris in the summer.
“We’re confident that we’ve done our level best. We’ve selected the inner of you. This is the best team for this country and we want to wish you well. We hope that you’ll bring good results. We wish you a win, not just to get to the Olympics but to have a win on both sides.”