Eliud Kipchoge says he has “filled” his legacy after the Kenyan became the first athlete since 1980 to retain the Tokyo 2020 Olympic marathon title.
Kipchoge is the only third person to win consecutive Olympic marathons, finishing in two hours, eight minutes, 38 seconds.
The greatest marathon runners of all time Consider the greatest marathon runner of all time. The 36-year-old crossed a minute and 20 seconds ahead of the Netherlands’ Abdi Nageeye.
In the bronze medal match, Belgian Bashir Abdi defeated Kenyan Lawrence Cherono.
“I think I have filled that legacy by winning the marathon for the second time in a row. I hope now will help inspire the next generation,” said world record holder Kipchoge.
“Tokyo 2020 has happened, it means a lot. It means there is hope It means we are on the right path to a normal life,” he told BBC Sport. “We are on the path to our normal life. That’s what the Olympics mean.
“I am happy to defend my position and show it to the next generation. If you respect sports and have discipline You can accomplish the tasks that are assigned to you.”
It was the fourth Olympic medal for Kipchoge, recording the first famous sub-two-hour marathon in 2019.
Kipchoge suffered his first marathon defeat in seven years in London last October. But he was in control throughout the match in Sapporo. Japan before moving off the field well after 30 km.
The Kenyan, who had an official marathon record of 2:01:39 in Berlin in 2018 and won a $5 billion bronze in 2004 and a silver medal in 2008. Before claiming a one-time Olympic gold medal. First in Rio five years ago
Britain’s Chris Thompson was 54 in 2:21:29, however, callum Hawkins and compatriot Ben Connor, who did not finish the race.
Hawkins, Scottish record holder Who fell on the Gold Coast at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, finish ninth in his Olympic debut in Rio. But could not be with the leader before withdrawing before the 30 kilometer mark.
On Friday, Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir won the women’s marathon in 28C heat, and as temperatures hit 27C on Saturday, men benefited from an increase in cloud cover.
Brazil’s Daniel Do Nascimento suffered a nasty fall when in the lead and was one of 30 athletes to pull off.