Year-in-Review: Failed Olympic three-peat capped a year to forget for Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and undisputed greatest marathoner of all time, has dominated the marathon scene since transitioning from the track in 2013.

With victories in 15 of the 20 marathon races, Kipchoge's legacy is firmly etched in road racing folklore.

His achievements include two marathon world records, five Berlin titles, and four London victories.

Kipchoge has conquered five of the six World Marathon Majors, including Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, and Chicago, with New York being the only exception. Yet, even for an icon like Kipchoge, 2024 has been a year of trials, controversy, and introspection.

An Unmatched Legacy

Kipchoge’s marathon dominance began in 2014, but his influence transcended victories. His “No Human is Limited” mantra turned him into a global phenomenon.

Kipchoge inspired runners and motivated people across all professions to push beyond perceived limits.

His historic INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019—running a marathon in 1:59:40—proved that a sub-2-hour marathon was possible, even if not officially recognized.

This feat came just one year after his first world record, where he clocked 2:01:39 in Berlin, slashing 1 minute and 18 seconds off Dennis Kimetto's previous mark. In 2022, Kipchoge returned to Berlin to lower his own record to 2:01:09.

Kelvin Kiptum’s stunning 2:00:35 in Chicago last year dethroned Kipchoge as the marathon world record holder, but the "GOAT" had already made his mark.

Battling Disappointment

Kipchoge’s resilience has defined his storied career. Losses have never broken him. After missing the sub-2-hour mark in Monza in 2017, he returned stronger to achieve it in Vienna in 2019.

When he finished eighth in London in 2020, he responded with victories in the Olympics, Tokyo, and Berlin, reclaiming his throne.

Reflecting on setbacks, Kipchoge remained philosophical.

"Failure comes in so that you realise what success is, and success comes in so that you realize there is a failure," he said after a disappointing Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics this year.

For Kipchoge, sport is a process of constant learning. “I’ll be learning more in 2025,” he added during an interview on Citizen TV.

A Year of Controversy and Pain

Despite his legendary status, Kipchoge’s relationship with his home country turned sour in 2024.

The storm began in October 2023 when Kipchoge delayed congratulating Kiptum for breaking his marathon record at the Chicago Marathon.

Social media turned vicious, with matters escalating tragically in February when Kiptum died in a car crash.

Kipchoge found himself at the center of baseless accusations and online vitriol, with some even insinuating that he had a hand in Kiptum's death. The abuse and threats left the marathon icon shaken.

"It was hurting to receive all the insults, saying I was involved in the death of this boy," Kipchoge revealed in an interview.

Even friends and colleagues whom Kipchoge trusted turned their backs on him during this painful period. Yet, true to his character, he chose dignity over retaliation, channeling his energy into his craft.

Looking Ahead: Kipchoge at 40

Despite the setbacks, Kipchoge remains committed to his mission. Turning 40 this year, he is back in training and eyeing his next challenge. History has shown that runners can thrive in their 40s—something Kipchoge is undoubtedly determined to prove.

"If you want to enjoy sport, you must accept the outcome. I accepted it, learned from it, and trust that I will squeeze every last drop of juice from that orange and move forward," Kipchoge affirmed.

As the year closes, Eliud Kipchoge's journey reminds us that greatness is not just about victories but also about grace in the face of adversity.

His legacy, though tested, remains unshaken. With his indomitable spirit, Kipchoge will undoubtedly script more chapters in the marathon's history.