Thumbs up to all Kenyan athletes who invest wisely

Gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge celebrates during the winning ceremony for the 45th Berlin Marathon in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. Eliud Kipchoge set a new world record in 2 hours 1 minute 39 seconds. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge wades into athletes’ retirement misery debate as he prepares for London Marathon.

There is need for sportsmen and women to invest wisely while still active to avoid tumbling into misery once they have retired.

World Marathon record holder and Olympic Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has added his voice to the growing concerns of athletes’ retirement misery.

Kipchoge, who is eyeing an unprecedented fifth London Marathon title against Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele in next month’s (October 4) new super-fast elites only race, has a lot to say.

The elites' race will come with a huge prize purse of Sh5.5 million for the winners in both women and men’s races, with Sh12.5 million and Sh2.5 million set aside for world and course records respectively.

“We don’t have to cry about the situation, but just say the truth," says Kipchoge, as he sympathizes with his unfortunate colleagues.

Some, sadly, have even gone into depression as there is nothing to show for the hefty earnings (endorsements, salaries and winning allowances) they used to get for their exploits.

Despite the many bankruptcy, debt and divorce tales among sportsmen, Kipchoge, whose tagline ‘no human is limited’ continues to inspire the world, believes the trend can be changed.

“This can change through empowerment and proper management. Honestly, it is not my work to tell them (athletes) what to do. However, they need to be advised and trained," he says.

Due to his sound management, appropriate packaging and branding, corporates across the globe have always scrambled to partner with him.

AFC Leopards Coach Anthony Kimani against Gor Mahia during their KPL Derby at KAsarani Stadium on Sunday 08/03/2020[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Apart from being sponsored by American-sports apparel company Nike, he enjoys ambassadorial roles for Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Isuzu Kenya, among others.

He is also a member of the Dutch-based NN Running Team (professional running team).

To avoid the embarrassment and frustrations in retirement, Kipchoge challenges his fellow athletes to wisely secure their future by venturing into business and appropriately invest.

"As you know, sports is just a profession like any other. We are in a profession whereby we need to appropriately plan in order to absorb the shock of life,” says Kipchoge.

He says the solution to the situation should be multi-pronged, with government and federations, for instance, organising seminars.

"When such are organised, I urge all sportsmen to give them a priority and attend," he says.

Asked about the upcoming unique race in October (instead of regular third Sunday of April for the first time in 40 years due to the coronavirus pandemic) at London's St James Park, with no mass participation or fans, the legendary marathoner had something to say.

“I think it will be really different, but we need to accept change. But you know, everybody is a threat, especially when you are on a running course, and I don’t take anyone for granted," he says.

He says he feels good to be going back to the streets of London and acknowledges the importance of athletics and sports in general in such times of pandemic.

"Sports has a way of inspiring hope. Sports is the only thing that can raise the spirits of all citizens throughout the world at ago," he says.

Kipchoge’s sentiments on investment were echoed by former Harambee Stars duo of Allan Wanga and Anthony Kimani (AFC Leopards coach), who has built their business and investments empire through football.

Allan Wetende Wanga

“It is true we need to take this investment matter very seriously. It is saddening to see the life most former players live after sports," says Wanga.

He says through these investments, sportsmen and women will face even more challenges, which will further make them stronger and smarter.

"I’m grateful to have invested into businesses that will support me after hanging up my boots. It is not easy to run them, but it is a worthy cause. We need to make hay while it shines,” says Wanga.

Kimani, who besides coaching, deals in and imports car accessories, has some advice too.

“I was looking to transition from my playing career and I wanted to invest into something that can not only keep me busy but also cater for my needs. After a lot of research and consultations, I settled on the car accessories business," he says, urging the sportsmen and women to invest smart.

He says he had a mentor and that made his work a little bit easier. "With this business, I have nothing to worry about my future,” he says.

Kenya women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok, who owns Paul Bitok Academy in Eldoret, also shares his views.

“Investment is always the best for our future because we cannot be in sports forever. Yes, it’s a bit challenging to run businesses while you are still active, but it is necessary for retirement,” says Bitok, asking sports persons to be longsighted.

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