As the Paris 2024 Summer Games continue to captivate the world, all eyes are on Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary marathon runner aiming to make history. Kipchoge, already a two-time Olympic champion, is set to become the first man to win three consecutive Olympic marathon gold medals, cementing his status as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in the world of distance running. The anticipation is palpable: will Kipchoge achieve this unprecedented feat?

Kipchoge, a former world marathon record holder, will be the first and only Kenyan to compete in five Olympics, a testament to his enduring excellence and unparalleled dedication. However, for Kipchoge, the Olympics represent more than just the pursuit of victory.

“The Olympic Games want everybody to associate; it promotes freedom of association where all of us, about 100 countries, will be there competing together and shaking hands at the finish line,” Kipchoge emphasizes. “It’s not only about winning, but the important thing at the Olympic Games is also about participation. Personally, I want to make my country a running country and make the world a running world.”

Joining Kipchoge in the Kenyan men’s marathon team are Tokyo Marathon winner Benson Kipruto and London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao. Kipchoge has high expectations for his teammates, predicting an unprecedented Olympic podium sweep for Kenya in Paris.

“I think my teammates are very good, they are high class, energetic, and disciplined athletes. I trust we will compete in a good way and make the podium for all of us,” Kipchoge states confidently.

Despite his confidence, Kipchoge remains wary of the competition, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by athletes from Ethiopia, Uganda, and those with East African roots competing for Bahrain, Qatar, the USA, and Kazakhstan.

“I respect all other competitors. Everybody who is in the Olympics is an Olympian and they represent their country. I cannot underrate anybody,” Kipchoge says.

Kipchoge’s Olympic journey began at the Athens 2004 Games, where he won bronze in the men’s 5,000m. He improved to silver in the same event at the Beijing 2008 Olympics but faced a setback when he failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events. This disappointment prompted a pivotal shift in his career as he transitioned to marathon running.

In 2013, Kipchoge made his marathon debut with a victory in Hamburg, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Since then, he has claimed 15 victories in 18 marathons, including 12 wins in the Marathon Majors, and set the world record twice.

Kipchoge’s Olympic gold in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Games made him only the second Kenyan to achieve this feat, following the late Samuel Wanjiru. He successfully defended his title at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, further solidifying his legacy.

As Kenya’s marathon team prepares to compete on August 10, the world eagerly anticipates another historic performance from Eliud Kipchoge. His journey symbolizes not only personal triumph but also the spirit of the Olympic Games—uniting athletes from around the globe in a celebration of excellence, determination, and the pursuit of greatness.

The big question remains: Will Eliud Kipchoge win a third consecutive Olympic gold medal? The world waits with bated breath.