From marathon disappointment to record-breaking humility, a year of highs, lows, and inspiring sportsmanship.
The legendary Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge experienced a year filled with both triumphs and challenges that left the world in awe of his unbreakable spirit.
In 2023, the marathon world witnessed Kipchoge participate in two marathons, setting new records and facing unexpected setbacks.
08:00 - 26.12.2023
ATHLETICS Emmanuel Wanyonyi's 2023 : Kenya's rising star on the cusp of breaking 800m world record
Here is Emmanuel Wanyonyi's inspiring journey from ridicule to riches in middle-distance running, his 2023 victories, and the pursuit of world records.
This year marked a journey of self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of excellence for the iconic athlete.
Dissappointment in Boston
The year started on a rather sour note for Kipchoge as he participated in the 2023 Boston Marathon in April.
It was a race that saw him face both achievements and disappointments, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether we were witnessing the undoing of a legend.
12:09 - 25.12.2023
ATHLETICS Fans shower fastest woman alive Elaine Thompson-Herah with love after her lovely Christmas message
Elaine Thompson's fans have showered her with love after she shared a captivating Christmas message with them.
Kipchoge finished in sixth place with a time of 2:09:23, his slowest marathon ever and his poorest showing since the 2020 London Marathon.
Unable to keep up with the pace in the rain, Kipchoge watched as Evans Chebet defended his title and secured back-to-back victories.
"Are we watching the undoing of Eliud Kipchoge in Boston? We haven't even hit the worst of the hills yet..." wondered Tim Hutchings on Eurosport commentary.
17:48 - 25.12.2023
ATHLETICS A look at Faith Kipyegon's amazing year: World records and season punctuated by history
This article dives deep into the 2023 on and off-track achievements and setbacks of Faith Kipyegon.
This performance cast a shadow of doubt over Kipchoge's quest to become the first racer to win all six annual World Marathon Majors.
However, champions are defined not only by their victories but by their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Redeeming himself in Berlin
Kipchoge did just that in September, when he conquered the Berlin Marathon for the record-breaking fifth time. Crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 42 seconds, Kipchoge claimed the top spot once again, 31 seconds ahead of his compatriot Vincent Kipkemoi.
13:07 - 25.12.2023
ATHLETICS Cheptegei opens up on how working with Eliud Kipchoge and teammates has refined him
Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei has explained how working with Eliud Kipchoge and other teammates has helped build his mindset and grow his career.
This victory not only marked his fifth win in Berlin, surpassing Haile Gebrselassie's record but also demonstrated that Kipchoge was far from finished.
Despite finishing outside his previous world record set in Berlin in 2022, Kipchoge's triumph in Berlin rejuvenated his spirits and silenced some of the doubts that had arisen after his Boston Marathon performance.
Record broken and awards received
As the year progressed, another twist awaited. On October 8, 2023, the marathon world was left astounded when Kelvin Kiptum shattered Kipchoge's world record with a remarkable time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon.
21:00 - 24.12.2023
ATHLETICS Sha'Carri Richardson's 2023: The glitz and glamour season of the firebrand athlete
Sha'Carri Richardson's 2023 season was full of glitz and glamour and she was able to achieve a lot of milestones on and off the track.
Surprisingly, Kipchoge was not taken aback by this achievement. He expressed his happiness at witnessing the record being broken, stating, "I am looking forward to seeing records being broken because I have shown them the way."
Kipchoge's humility and sportsmanship shone through even in the face of a record-breaking loss, earning him further respect from the global running community.
Throughout the year, Kipchoge's contributions to society, both in the realm of athletics and humanitarian work, did not go unnoticed. He was honored with the prestigious 2023 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, which came with a cash prize of €50,000 (Ksh7,434,533.05).
20:09 - 24.12.2023
ATHLETICS Elaine Thompson's bumpy 2023: Injury comeback, switching coaches among other untold stories
Elaine Thompson's 2023 season has been nothing short of a testimony owing to the fact that it started quite slowly but she picked up herself along the way.
This recognition celebrated his outstanding achievements as a long-distance runner and his commitment to promoting education and environmental protection through his foundation.
In addition to this, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) awarded Eliud Kipchoge an Honorary Degree of Humane Letters. This acknowledgment was a testament to his service to society and unparalleled achievements in athletics.
Social media criticism
Despite his remarkable achievements and sportsmanship, Kipchoge found himself at the center of social media criticism in 2023. Some online critics took issue with his silence following the breaking of his world record by Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago.
21:07 - 23.12.2023
ATHLETICS World Athletics reveal male athletes suffer more abuse compared to female counterparts
World Athletics announced the findings of a social media study with racist abuse on athletes having increased by 14%.
While many Kenyans rushed to congratulate Kiptum and celebrate his historic achievement, Kipchoge remained noticeably quiet on his social media platforms. This silence led to frustration among netizens, who were eager to see a public acknowledgment or message of support from the former record holder.
It isimportant to note that Kipchoge's silence may have had various reasons, including personal reflection and the desire to remain humble in the face of defeat. Nevertheless, the incident served as a reminder that even the most revered athletes can face scrutiny in the age of social media.
As he navigated the highs and lows of the year, Kipchoge's legacy as a marathon legend remained firmly intact.
15:33 - 23.12.2023
ATHLETICS Sha'Carri Richardson fires stern warning shots at opponents ahead of 2024 season
Sha'Carri Richardson has fired warning shots at her opponents ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, France next season.
His ability to rise above setbacks and embrace the success of others showcases the true spirit of sportsmanship.
In the end, whether on the track or in life, Eliud Kipchoge continues to show the world the way, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of long-distance running.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news