Table of Contents
- A hiatus from athletics after the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked rumours about Eliud Kipchoge retirement
- Kipchoge didn’t achieve his desired outcome at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He dropped out of the marathon after covering approximately 20 kilometres, citing discomfort around his waist
- Despite being the favourite to win and aiming for a unique three-peat, Kipchoge struggled with the hilly course between Paris and Versailles
A hiatus from athletics after the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked rumours about Eliud Kipchoge retirement.
Kipchoge didn’t achieve his desired outcome at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He dropped out of the marathon after covering approximately 20 kilometres, citing discomfort around his waist.
Despite being the favourite to win and aiming for a unique three-peat, Kipchoge struggled with the hilly course between Paris and Versailles.
This was the first time in his athletic career that the 40-year-old dropped out of a race. He expressed his disappointment while noting that the waist discomfort left him no choice other than dropping out of the race.
The Kenyan marathon legend has since kept a low profile, giving room to speculation about his future in athletics.
How True is Eliud Kipchoge Retirement News?
His hiatus from the tracks gave rumours about Eliud Kipchoge retirement. However, the five-time Berlin Marathon Champion issued a statement recently stating that he isn’t about to retire as speculated.
Kenyan marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge at a past race. He is a five-time Berlin Marathon champion. Photo/ELiud Kipchoge
He explained that he is at a point in life where he isn’t running anymore to win. The 40-year-old said he no longer runs to compete. He now does it for his health and fitness goals.
“To those who feel it’s time for me to retire, I say this with respect: Nowadays I don’t compete to win; I compete to stay fit and strong. It’s my hobby,” he told Olympics.com.
The Tokyo and London Marathon Champion wondered why Eliud Kipchoge retirement came up after finishing a distant ninth at the Sydney Marathon. Kipchoge wondered why he was the topic of focus and not the person who won this marathon.
He concluded that his presence in global athletics is very important, which is why he doesn’t plan on retiring.
“I finished 9th in the Sydney Marathon, yet my name is making more headlines than the one who came in first. That says something – my presence in the sport is greater than rankings. Running is my passion, my profession, and my life’s work.”
When will Eliud Kipchoge Retire?
Eliud Kipchoge. Kipchoge hasn’t spoken about his retirement date. He maintained that he will retire when he makes up his mind to exit the athletics stage, but not out of pressure from disgruntled quartersPhoto/ YouTube.
Kipchoge hasn’t spoken about his retirement date. He maintained that he will retire when he makes up his mind to exit the athletics stage, but not out of pressure from disgruntled quarters.
He added that he is now running for humanity and not for any medals.
“I will retire when I decide, not when others think I should. Until then, I will keep running, keep inspiring, and keep faith. I am running for humanity, not for medals.”
Why Did Kipchoge Withdraw?
The withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Olympics left many questions unanswered. Among them is why the Kenyan marathon star withdrew from the race, thereby sparking talks about Eliud Kipchoge retirement.
He revealed that he was unable to endure the sharp pain in his waist and had to withdraw from the race. It’s this pain that challenged him over the last 22km of the race. He opted to seek medical help and cancelled the race immediately.
