Eliud Kipchoge struggled with the 42km marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics that was raced on Saturday morning.
Kipchoge withdrew from the race at slightly above the 30 km mark after falling behind. At the time he was at the 71st position
Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola clinched gold in 2hours 6 mins and 26 seconds. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi settled for silver while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto walked away with the bronze medal. In the recent years, Kipruto won Tokyo, Boston and Chicago marathons
“Thank you, Paris! I’m happy today, I was 2022 world champion and now I’m Olympic champion. It’s the greatest day in my life. This was my goal,” Tola said after clinching victory.
Tola won the bronze medal in 2016 Olympic and he will be turning 33 on Sunday.
Kipchoge, on the other hand, was aiming for a third Olympic gold before things became tough on his side. In a video, at the moment he surrendered, the39-year old handed over his marathon kit to spectators including shoes, socks and bib.
Eliud Kipchoge literally hanging the boots,, he removed his booths and handed over to a fan to signify the end of his Marathon career. We appraciate him for the time he has entertained many globally. The Paris fans were excited to see him leaving the stage pic.twitter.com/OyqBSaVRX7
— 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝑲𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 🇰🇪 (@Konesjk) August 10, 2024
Eliud Kipchoge bows out of the race after 28 kilometers.
The GOAT has done his part. Thank you for great moments, thank you for putting Kenyan name on the map.#marathon Uhuru Kenyatta Kipchumba Murkomen pic.twitter.com/ZPfq43YEjV
— YOUNGEST OMAR KOT HSC✨ (@Kiamunyi_Finest) August 10, 2024
Kenyans have however hailed Kipchoge, despite the Olympics loss, saying that he still remains the G.O.A.T.
“No one can force us to hate Eliud Kipchoge. No one can force us to forget what Eliud Kipchoge has achieved The only human being to run under 2 hours in a 42km race. The living legend will be remembered for years!” one shared on X.