Prominent attorney Miguna Miguna has offered his advice to world marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, suggesting that it may be a good time for him to retire from active athletics while still basking in the glory of his career peak.
Miguna took to Twitter to extend his congratulations to Kipchoge for his recent triumph at the Berlin Marathon held last Sunday.
He commended Kipchoge’s historic accomplishment and encouraged him to consider retiring on a high note. In his tweet, Miguna wrote, “Congratulations, Eliud Kipchoge. You have made history. Now, retire when you are on top! Viva!”
Miguna cited the example of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who gracefully exited the world stage of athletics in 2017, rightly seen as the greatest sprinter of all time.
According to Miguna, it is vital for individuals to acknowledge that, no matter how gifted they may be, their energy, skills, and performance inevitably wane with time, as exemplified by Usain Bolt.
Miguna’s Take: Tiger Woods vs. Eliud Kipchoge’s Victory
In contrast, Miguna drew attention to golf champion Tiger Woods, who, in his view, failed to recognize the appropriate time to retire from competitive professional sports. Despite his earlier dominance, Woods’ later years on the golf course have been marred by challenges. As Miguna pointed out, Woods has become a subject of sympathy, with his past greatness fading into the background.
Eliud Kipchoge, renowned for his exceptional marathon running abilities, secured his fifth victory at the Berlin Marathon with a remarkable time of 2:02:42 on the same Sunday. Notably, Kipchoge currently holds the marathon world record, which he achieved with an astonishing time of 2:01:09.
In the lead-up to the Berlin Marathon, Kipchoge emphasized that his primary goal is to attain three consecutive Olympic gold medals, and he considers participation in the Berlin Marathon as a crucial part of his preparation for this ambitious endeavor.
While Miguna’s counsel to Kipchoge about retiring while still at the pinnacle of his career is understandable, it is ultimately Kipchoge’s personal decision to make. Kipchoge remains one of the marathon world’s greatest icons, and the risk of diminishing performance with age is a genuine concern. Nevertheless, the choice of when to retire ultimately lies with the marathon legend himself.
Uasin Gishu Governor’s Tribute to Eliud Kipchoge
In a separate development, Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Chelilim has announced his intention to honor Eliud Kipchoge by dedicating a street in the county in his name.
Chelilim emphasized that this gesture would pay tribute to Kipchoge’s extraordinary achievements on the track. Addressing local residents who had congregated to witness the race in Eldoret, Chelilim lauded the community for its remarkable support in rallying behind their fellow Kenyan athletes.
He acknowledged the strong sportsmanship spirit that is ingrained in the county’s identity, expressing his gratitude for the residents’ enthusiastic turnout to cheer on the Kenyan victors at the Berlin Marathon 2023.
