Eliud Kipchoge has revealed his admiration for British triathlon gold medalist Alex Yee – and said he wants to meet and help mentor the Team GB star when they both run the London Marathon in April .
Kipchoge, 40, insists he can still compete with the world’s best when he races in London for the first time since 2020, despite being injured while trying to win his third Olympic marathon title.
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But one of his ambitions in London is also to meet Yee, who won triathlon gold in the final strides in Paris after a dazzling comeback.
“I would like to know him more,” admitted Kipchoge. “I would like to meet him before the race and share the life we live. I will give up my time when I am in London to sit down with him and share a meal, have a coffee.
Yee has previously said that Kipchoge is his favorite athlete and also spoke about how he hopes to inspire the next generation. It’s something that clearly struck a chord with Kipchoge, who wants to work with the triathlete to help more people get active.
“I’m going to share with him what I believe, tell him what I believe about running and why running will actually help the whole world,” Kipchoge said. “The discussion will focus on humanity, on the love of the sport of running. How are we going to sell the sport of running? I think it will be a pure discussion. I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked if he had any advice for Yee before doing 26.2 miles rather than his usual swim, bike and run, Kipchoge added: “My advice is to get to the start line, to start the race, to enjoy it. Make sure you train very well and enjoy the distance.
Kipchoge faces a packed field in London that includes compatriots Sabastian Sawe, who ran 2:02:05 on his Valencia debut, and Timothy Kiplagat, who also ran sub-2:03. However, he hinted he could be close to retirement when asked if racing could be his last dance. “I’ll talk more after the marathon is over,” he said.
“In Africa we say we chase one rabbit at a time. This rabbit in front of me is the London marathon. This is purely what my mind, my heart and all my energy is based on. After that, I will make a new announcement. Keep watching.
Meanwhile, a rich women’s field will include world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and last year’s London Marathon winner Peres Jepchirchir.