Legendary Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge on the ‘disease’ that ‘kills’ many star athletes

Eliud Kipchoge has revealed the importance of staying humble as a big-name athlete, further explaining the thing that ‘kills’ most of them.

Eliud Kipchoge is widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, boasting a career defined by consistency, dominance, and groundbreaking achievements. 

With two Olympic gold medals from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, he has claimed victory in 15 of the 18 marathons he has competed in—a win rate unmatched in the sport’s history.

 Kipchoge also holds the official marathon world record of 2:01:09, set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, and remains the only man to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, achieving the feat in 1:59:40 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019. 


Eliud Kipchoge has achieved a lot in marathon but nobody knows his next course of action after retirement.


This extraordinary milestone cemented his status as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.

Despite his wealth and global fame, Kipchoge has stayed deeply connected to his roots through his Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on education and environmental sustainability. 

The foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to quality education in underprivileged communities by building classrooms, providing learning materials, and encouraging young people to excel both academically and athletically. 

‘They are drinking’ - Eliud Kipchoge blames Kenya's recent steeplechase woes on athletes ‘lacking morals’

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has blamed Kenyan’ steeplechase woes on a lack of morals among athletes who he claims have questionable characters that are affecting their performance.


On the environmental front, Kipchoge actively promotes tree planting and reforestation efforts to combat climate change and protect ecosystems. He personally participates in these activities, emphasizing the importance of being present and engaged.

“Being on the ground makes you present. It makes you stay on time. If you are not grounded, your mind will not work. Being on the ground helps me think and handle my things in a good way,” Kipchoge explained in an interview on NTV.

Kipchoge also advocates for humility, a principle he believes is vital for athletes, especially post-retirement. He warns against what he calls the “disease of being special,” which he says leads to detachment and downfall. 

Analysing Eliud Kipchoge's previous London Marathon records: What is at stake for him in the 2025 edition?

Eliud Kipchoge will hitting the London Marathon road on the back of a disappointing Paris Olympic performance. Will the GOAT redeem himself after a five-year absence?


“I believe being humble is the only thing a human being should be. What has killed many people is a disease called ‘special,’” he remarked. 

Kipchoge’s ability to remain grounded and approachable, even at the pinnacle of his career, sets him apart not only as an athlete but also as a role model for success and service. 

His philosophy serves as a reminder that greatness is not just about personal achievements but also about uplifting others and staying connected to the values that matter most.