Ex-Olympic Champion Responds to the Critics and Social Media Trolls

Ex-Olympic Champion Responds to the Critics and Social Media Trolls

  • Eliud Kipchoge has had a difficult year in the marathon but is looking forward to stepping on the road again
  • The Kenyan failed to finish the marathon at the Paris Olympics, the first time the veteran athlete was unable to do so
  • He has disclosed his next plans and addressed critics after visiting Manchester United last weekend

Eliud Kipchoge is still recovering from a tough outing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he failed to defend his marathon title.

The legendary Kenyan athlete failed to complete the marathon, arguably his worst performance.

After returning from Europe, the veteran has laid out his plans and responded to critics and social media trolls.

Eliud Kipchoge was expected to win his third Olympic gold medal but fell short in Paris
Eliud Kipchoge is considered Kenya's greatest ever athlete. Photos by Kirill Kudryavtsev and Ash Donelon.
Source: UGC

The 39-year-old dropped out of the race at the 30-kilometre mark, the first time he failed to finish a marathon.

Read also

Raheem Sterling praises Arsenal move, explains why it's 'perfect' after Chelsea exit

He was seeking to become the first man to win the marathon three times at the Olympic Games, but that dream ended painfully.

Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia won the race, setting a new Olympic record in the process. Kenya's Benson Kipruto won a bronze medal.

"This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life," Kipchoge said after the race via Olympics.com.

Since the start of 2023, Kipchoge has won one marathon out of a possible four. Last September, he won his fifth Berlin marathon title and will have to wait until 2025 for his next win.

Read also

Former Olympic champion names his favourite Manchester United player after visit

He won't participate in the Berlin, Chicago, and New York City Marathons in the coming months.

Kipchoge responds to trolls

Kipchoge recently visited Manchester United and watched the Red Devils lose to Liverpool alongside club minority owner and Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He has laid out his next steps after the disappointment at the Olympics.

“I have risen, shaken off the dust and I am good to go on to the next task, which is participating in upcoming major city races,” Kipchoge said per The Star.

He also responded to critics and trolls on social media.

“I am trying to control myself on what I am consuming on the internet. They are at liberty to air what they think.”

The veteran marathoner will unlikely participate in the 20208 Olympics, and at 39, his career is coming to an end soon.

Kipchoge names his favourite Man United player

Read also

Ronaldo aims jibe at Erik ten Hag amid criticism after Liverpool defeat

Legit.ng earlier reported that Kipchoge named his favourite Manchester United player after his visit.

The legendary athlete interacted with the club's players and later said captain Bruno Fernandes was his favourite.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng