Kiptum eager to take on Eliud Kipchoge after World Marathon record
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 11.10.23. | 07:52
The new world marathon record holder says he is ready to face off with legend Eliud Kipchoge
Kelvin Kiptum, the newly crowned world marathon record holder, stands unshaken in the face of an imminent challenge from marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. Fresh from his triumphant performance in Chicago, Kiptum confidently expressed his eagerness to embrace the Kipchoge challenge during a press conference held in Nairobi on Tuesday.
"I am ready and looking forward to racing against Eliud Kipchoge," Kiptum declared, exuding confidence and determination.
The prospect of a face-off between these two titans of the marathon world looms, with the potential rendezvous set for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Kiptum confirmed he is prepared to represent his nation on the grand stage.
"It would be a privilege to represent my country, so if I get the chance, I will definitely take it up," Kiptum affirmed.
At just 23 years of age, Kiptum shook the world by obliterating the marathon record, finishing in an astounding time of 2 hours, 35 seconds during the Chicago Marathon. Surprisingly, the record-breaking feat was not part of his initial plans.
"I had trained to break the course record, and the world record was not even on my mind. Like I had said before, the world record is something I have wanted, but I thought that would be achievable next year or in 2025. Fortunately, it has come early," Kiptum disclosed, showing humility in his unexpected achievement.
Kiptum also revealed he was yet to get any congratulatory message from Kipchoge.
“I haven’t gotten any message from him, not yet,” he said.
Behind every great athlete is a dedicated coach, and Kiptum's mentor, Gervais Hakizimana, unveiled a crucial detail about the marathon record holder's journey to the world record. Kiptum's quest for greatness almost took a detour as he grappled with tonsillitis a mere two weeks before the Chicago Marathon.
"He had tonsillitis and had thought of pulling out, but luckily he got better after a few days," Hakizimana revealed, underscoring the resilience and determination that ultimately led to Kiptum's historic marathon victory.
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