Kenya’s marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, saw his historic bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal evaporate at the Paris 2024 Games, leaving fans and athletes alike stunned. He did not finish the race.
Kipchoge, who has dazzled the world with his prowess over the years, fell out of contention during the race’s early stages, missing out on a chance to cement his name in the annals of Olympic history.
Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola crossed the line in an Olympic record time of 2:06.26 to secure the country's first gold of these Games. Belgium's Bashit Abdi finished second to take the silver, with Kenya's Benson Kipruto winning bronze with a time of 2:07:00 on his Olympic debut.
The marathon, a gruelling test of endurance, began with Kipchoge as part of a formidable group of 14 athletes. However, the 39-year-old’s quest for immortality was dashed as he fell off the pace just at the halfway mark of the race. With 25 kilometers to go, the double Olympic marathon champion sat in 63rd place.
Kipchoge, after struggling for a while, bowed out of the race, leaving the dream to make history behind as he ran what many viewed as his last dance. The man whom many consider the 'Greatest of All Time' dropped off after 31 kilometers.
Despite bringing an impressive 2:01:09 minutes personal best, Kipchoge’s performance was not enough to secure him a third consecutive gold, a feat no athlete has achieved at the Olympics.
In spite of the struggle at the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge’s career remains marked by a series of stunning victories, including 12 major marathons from 2014 to 2023 and a slew of prestigious awards.
His triumphs in Berlin, London, and at the World Championships had earned him a reputation as one of the greatest marathoners of all time. Yet, the sweltering Paris heat and the relentless competition proved too formidable.
As Kipchoge grappled with the unexpected turn of events, the spotlight shifted to Kenya’s other athletes, particularly Beatrice Chebet. The 24-year-old athlete delivered a stellar performance in the women’s 10,000m, clinching gold in a time of 30 minutes and 43.25 seconds.
Chebet’s victory marked a significant achievement for Kenya, adding another gold to the nation’s tally. At the moment Kenya has seven medals, two gold, one silver, and four bronze.
Chebet’s success in Paris follows her earlier triumph in the 5,000m, where she had already secured gold. “This 10,000m gold medal is the most important medal in my life,” Chebet declared. “I came here targeting the 10,000m gold medal, not a gold in 5,000m.” Her words reflected the dedication and focus that had driven her throughout the Games.
While Chebet’s victory provided a glimmer of hope for Kenya, Kipchoge’s performance left many questioning whether the time has come for him to retire from competitive marathon running.
His illustrious career, marked by numerous accolades including the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports and the BBC World Sport Star of the Year, has inspired countless runners and elevated the sport’s profile globally.
There is still hope for more medals at the Olympics later on Saturday, as Faith Kipyegon, another Kenyan could become the first athlete to win gold in the same discipline thrice in a row as she defends her 1,500-meter win.
