After Eliud Kipchoge smashed the INEOS 1:59 challenge and did what no human has ever done on Saturday, October 12, KTN on its Facebook page run a story whose headline did no sit well with Kenyans online.
Titled, 7 Reasons Why Kipchoge's feat in Vienna Will NOT Be Recognised as World Record, the broadcaster appeared to have poured water on the fire of inspiration Kipchoge lit in Kenyans after proving that no human is limited.
The story attracted about 5,000 comments on Facebook with most leaning towards criticising the broadcaster for carrying a headline and news story that did not amuse Kenyans online.
Guidelines from the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) detailed in the story on KTNs Facebook page ascertained the eligibility of a winning race to be declared world record.
It stated that a race must be sanctioned by the Athletics Federation, that pacemakers cannot rotate in and out of a race and that an athlete cannot be paced by a vehicle with a motor.
The Standard wrote that Kipchoge's first attempt to break the 2-hour barrier in Monza, Italy in 2017, refreshments were brought to the marathoner in breach of IAAF's rules.
The paper further reported that Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, two seconds short of the official world mark.
Kenyans online were having none of it with Annette Obeoh writing, "we don't care! It's done in front of the whole world"
Emily Omboga added, "Who needs those seven reasons? The fact remains no human is limited and he broke that record!"
Jòb Márçús replied,"It is not about breaking records because he already has it in the pocket, it was about inspiring generations that no human is limited."
Mutegi Kaguti added, "Give us twenty more reasons but it will not change the fact that he is a hero who made the world. He also knew what he went to do and prepared well for it and achieved his objective."
