Paris Olympics 2024: Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele Set for High-Stakes Marathon Clash

As the Paris Olympic Games approach, all eyes will be on Eliud Kipchoge, the Kenyan marathon legend aiming for his third Olympic gold. At 37, Kipchoge seeks to cement his legacy despite a disappointing 10th place finish at the Tokyo Marathon. Known for his record-breaking performances, Kipchoge remains a formidable contender.

Kipchoge’s long-time rival, Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, will also be a key figure in the marathon. At 41, Bekele brings an illustrious track record of three Olympic golds and five world titles in the 5000m and 10,000m. After a strong second-place finish at the London Marathon, Bekele is poised to challenge Kipchoge once more.

Their rivalry, which began in Paris, will reignite on the same stage where it started. Bekele and Kipchoge last faced each other over six years ago at the London Marathon, where Kipchoge emerged victorious.

Ethiopia’s team, featuring talents like Deresa Geleta and Tamirat Tola, will provide stiff competition. Geleta set a course record at the Seville Marathon, and Tola boasts a course record win at the New York City Marathon.

Also in the mix are top athletes like Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, who won the Rotterdam Marathon, and Belgium’s bronze medallist Bashir Abdi. The stage is set for an epic marathon showdown in Paris, with Kipchoge and Bekele leading the charge.