Ouma: Kipchoge is physically and mentally strong

2018 Berlin Marathon champion and World Record holder Eliud Kipchoge [Courtesy]

Extra-ordinary muscular strength and endurance combined with unrivaled mental strength are key components that make Eliud Kipchoge a fierce competitor in marathon running, according to renowned athletics coach Bernard Ouma.

Kipchoge shaved off 78 seconds from Dennis Kimetto’s record set in 2014 in Berlin leaving experts drooling at the prospects of the human race improving on his heart-stopping feat in Germany on Sunday.

Ouma told Standard Sports Kipchoge’s record will stand for some time while praising his coach Patrick Sang and all the backroom staff for harnessing the 33-year-old’s gifts to smash the world record.

“Remember, he ran 17Km alone after all the pacemakers had dropped off. Now it takes serious mental preparedness to handle that and keep pushing oneself. That is what sets Kipchoge apart from the rest.”

Kipchoge has won all but one marathon races he has been involved since stepping on the 42km course in 2013 [Courtesy]

“Don’t forget he at one point missed his water bottle and that must have played in his mind because hydration in marathon is everything. However, Kipchoge overcame that to lower the record.

Ouma, who handles 1,500m world champion and silver medalists Elijah Managoi and Timothy Cheruiyot, explained that Kipchoge’s hypoxic exposure combined with his impressive muscle contractility is second to none.

“He trains in high altitude conditions which has reduced oxygen, just like many Kenya athletes, but his muscle endurance and strength plays a big part in obliterating the field,” Ouma said.

Kipchoge has won all but one marathon races he has been involved since stepping on the 42km course in 2013 behind Wilson Kipsang.