Kipchoge: Olympics three-peat is attainable

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge believes an Olympic three-peat is attainable but anticipates a fierce battle at the Paris Olympics marathon.

Kipchoge, who spoke in Eldoret after he was included in the final men’s marathon team, that also has the London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo Marathon winner Benson Kipruto, said the target was not far-fetched but he was cautiously optimistic.

Kipchoge is bidding to become the first athlete to win three Olympic marathon golds following his successes at Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 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.”

Kipchoge, 39, will become the oldest Kenyan track and field athlete to compete at an Olympics and the first Kenyan in any sport to compete in five different Olympics.

“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!”

Despite his illustrious career on the road racing that include 10 consecutive marathons triumphs from 2014 to 2019, world records in 2018 and 2022, the legend finished 10th at his most recent marathon in Tokyo on March 3.

After nailing the final team spot, two-time Boston Marathon champion Benson Kipruto promised to stage a good performance during the Summer Games in honour of late world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

“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.”

Kiptum, who died in a tragic road accident in February, had been drafted in the initial provisional squad last December before Athletics Kenya replaced his name with Mutiso, who was eventually named in the final team alongside Kipchoge and Kipruto.

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei expressed confidence the country will be sending a formidable team to Paris.

“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.”

The women’s category has reigning champion Peres Jepchirchir, Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei.