World marathon record holder (2:01:39) Eliud Kichoge is unbowed despite finishing a distant eighth at the London Marathon held on October 4. Through a message on his social media platforms, Kipchoge sent a message of hope while appreciating his fans for the support.
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“Marathon is life, and life is full of challenges. I want to thank everybody for the many well wishes, it is a great support to me. We look ahead and together we build towards an even greater future, in which we hope to inspire as many human beings as possible. Last, I do want to thank the organisation of the London Marathon for going the extra mile to make the event possible. It shows what's possible and gives hope other organisations can incorporate their plans to make sports possible in current times,” wrote Kipchoge.
Reactions
We all have bad days in the office. Just wish my good days were as fast as your bad ones. Still the fastest man over the distance. Hope you’re back to form soon ????
— chris fulcher (@ChrisRunner) October 6, 2020
You are one of the classiest athletes in the world, and perhaps even more when things don't go your way. A wonderful example of how to handle adversity
— Dave Maxfield (@ConsumerLawSC) October 7, 2020
Indeed life is full of challenges. Most welcome brother. Congratulations for every effort you put despite the myriad challenges you encountered. We shall win again in future. You remain our hero and G.O.A.T. Pongezi sana My Friend.
— KENNETH K. KURGAT (@KennethKurgat) October 6, 2020
Sunday was meant to be this way, no shame. Last year you lifted the athletic world, the whole world, to believe we can all reach our goals with your 1:59. You took care of your country. That's what we will always remember. ???????????????
— Lisa ???????????????????????????? (@AralynnsMomma) October 6, 2020
I wish more people were like you. Such a humble man. Big respect to you for being gratious in defeat. I really think you'll come back stronger and smash it. I don't think anyone coped well with our cold either so your not alone! ????
— PrincessRuns????????????? (@MrsBrett1066) October 7, 2020
Well said. Keep doing what you're doing. You inspire me! Looking forward to more training updates and your progress forward. We all have days that don't go as planned, thanks for always being a class act!
— Tommy Race (@PNW_trailrunner) October 6, 2020
Blocked ear
After making history by becoming the first human to run a sub-2 hour marathon(01:59:40.2) during the INEOS challenge in October 2019, Kipchoge was a fan-favourite to win the race. His odds of winning the London Marathon were further increased after Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele (2:01:41) shocked the world after withdrawing from the London Marathon, citing a calf injury.
READ ALSO: Kaptel High School- Where Eliud Kipchoge flopped in races
However, after finishing more than a minute behind winner Shura Kitata of Ethiopia, Kipchoge said his right ear had blocked during the race, forcing him to fall back.
“I started well. But I just got a slight problem with my right ear. It got blocked, and I tried to do all necessary, I tried to hold back, but it was not possible. But this is sport. Today you are up, tomorrow you are down. I am truly disappointed. I always wanted to win to show people you can always win if you focus yourself and always get good results. I’m sorry about this, but that’s how sport is,” he said after the race.