Expect more from me, Kipchoge fires warning after IAAF heroics

Expect more from me, Kipchoge fires warning after IAAF heroics

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has psyched up his fanatical athletics fan base telling them to “expect even more from him” after a tremendous season that saw him break the world record at the Berlin Marathon, culminating in him being crowned as the 2018 IAAF Male Athlete of the Year at a glitzy award ceremony in Monaco, France on Tuesday.

Kipchoge took to the German capital by storm clocking 2:01.39 erasing one minute and 18 seconds off Dennis Kimetto’s previous record that had stood for four years.

The 34-year -old had earlier won the London Marathon in April making it a hat- trick of wins in the England capital after consecutive wins in 2015 and 2016. The win also moved him joint with Mexico’s Dionicio Cerón as athletes with the most wins in the race.

The Olympic champion has also won several off-field accolades including the Person of the Year Award from the United Nations (UN) which recognized his efforts in modeling the youths as well as his role in combating HIV/AIDS.

And last night, Kipchoge was once again the star of the show as he stood shoulder high amongst the best of his peers to claim the 2018 IAAF athletes Awards Gala held in Monaco, France, beating four other contestants .

But despite his status and his heroics, the humble man from Kapsisiywa in Nandi County is fired-up and is aiming even for more accolades.

“As they say it is never enough, right now I am purely concentrating on the build-ups heading to next season. I am a believer of doing a good thing, forgetting it and aiming for the next,” Kipchoge said.

With many athletics pundits arguing that Kipchoge’s record may last for a long time, the man himself has other plans. Having competed at the Nike Breaking 2 race in 2017, Kipchoge has hinted that he may attempt to break the elusive 2-hour mark in marathon.

“2:01.39 is breakable to anybody in the world but I hope one day before I call it quits I will do something great again.  If I will not achieve that (sub 2 hour mark) then another person may do it,” the three- time Berlin Marathon champion said.

Kenyans celebrate

Meanwhile, it was jubilation in Kenya as Kipchoge was feted as he broke Kenya’s jinx in the award given that no Kenyan athlete has won the award in close to a decade despite dominating the global scene in athletics, the 800m world record holder David Rudisha being the last and the only Kenyan to have won the award in 2010.

Led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenyans took to social media to congratulate Kipchoge.Here are some of the reactions.

“Congratulations @EliudKipchoge for winning the

2018 IAAF Male Athlete of the Year Award. Your dominance in the marathon has

not only propelled you to the history books of icons, but has also ensured

Kenya remains a world leader in Athletics. We are very proud of you,” Kenyatta said on twitter.

“Congratulations to Eliud Kipchoge for being named IAAF Male Athlete of the Year 2018 at awards ceremony in Monaco. A legend of the game, Kipchoge deserves the highest accolade for his prowess, consistency, tact, endurance, dominance and strength of character,” Deputy President William Ruto reacted.

“Congratulations @EliudKipchoge on being named the 2018 IAAF Male Athlete of the Year last

night after setting the marathon world record in Berlin earlier this year. You

have done kenya proud. Keep inspiring our youth,” opposition chief Raila Odinga tweeted.

“Congratulations to @EliudKipchoge for winning the male athlete of the year award, this is a

big plus for you and Kenya,” Athletics Kenya tweeted.

Tags:

Eliud Kipchoge France Berlin Marathon Monaco breaking record expect more IAAF athletes Awards Gala

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