By As the world turns its attention to the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, Kenya’s marathon team stands poised to make history. Led by the legendary Eliud Kipchoge and defending women’s champion Peres Jepchirchir, the Kenyan contingent is not just aiming for victory, but for unprecedented achievements in Olympic marathon history.
Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic marathon champion, is on the cusp of a remarkable feat. If successful in Paris, he would become the first man to win three Olympic marathon gold medals. This achievement would add another chapter to his already illustrious career, which includes being the former world marathon record holder and victories in 15 out of 18 marathons he has run.
Kipchoge’s journey to this point is a testament to his versatility and determination. He first competed for Kenya at the 2004 Athens Olympics, winning bronze in the 5,000m. After upgrading to silver in Beijing 2008 and missing out on London 2012, Kipchoge made the pivotal decision to switch to marathon running. This transition led to his first Olympic marathon gold in Rio 2016, followed by a successful defense of his title in Tokyo 2020.
The Olympic Games wants everybody to associate, it promotes freedom of association whereby all of us, about 100 countries will be there competing together and shaking hands at the finish line,” Kipchoge says, emphasizing the broader significance of the Olympics beyond individual achievements.
Joining Kipchoge in the men’s marathon are Tokyo Marathon winner Benson Kipruto and London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao. Kipchoge has expressed confidence in his teammates, tipping them for a potential podium sweep – an unprecedented feat in Olympic marathon history.
On the women’s side, Peres Jepchirchir is aiming to make her own mark on Olympic history. The 30-year-old is looking to become the first woman ever to defend an Olympic marathon title. Jepchirchir’s road to Paris has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After her surprise victory in Tokyo, she went on to win the 2021 New York Marathon and the 2022 Boston Marathon. However, injuries forced her to withdraw from the 2022 World Championships and the 2023 New York Marathon.
Jepchirchir’s comeback has been nothing short of spectacular. In April 2024, she set a new world record for a women-only race at the London Marathon with a time of 2:16:16. This performance not only secured her place on the Kenyan Olympic team but also re-established her as a frontrunner for gold in Paris.
“I’m so humbled and feeling grateful for that, and I thank God for that. I know it’s not my ability and I’m not more important than other people,” Jepchirchir said, reflecting on her selection for the Olympic team.
The Kenyan women’s team also includes Boston champion Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi, who replaced the injured Brigid Kosgei. Jepchirchir is confident in her team’s ability to potentially sweep the podium, citing their collective experience on challenging courses.
Both Kipchoge and Jepchirchir are acutely aware of the tough competition they face. Kipchoge acknowledges the threat posed by runners from Ethiopia, Uganda, and athletes with East African roots competing for other nations. Jepchirchir, meanwhile, is preparing for a challenging course in Paris, drawing confidence from her and her teammates’ experiences on difficult marathon routes.
As Kenya’s marathon team prepares to compete on August 10, the eyes of the world will be on these extraordinary athletes. Their quest for Olympic glory is not just about individual achievements, but about inspiring a nation and cementing Kenya’s place in marathon running history.
For Kipchoge, it’s about more than just winning: “Personally, I want to make my country a running country and make the world a running world.” As for Jepchirchir, she dreams of closing the Paris 2024 Summer Games on August 12 with another gold medal ceremony, this time with a roaring crowd in the stadium.
As the Olympic flame approaches Paris, the stage is set for what could be one of the most memorable marathon events in Olympic history, with Kenya’s finest leading the charge.
