Kipchoge: “A running world is a happy world, and a happy world is a world at peace”

Kipchoge spoke with these statements in his speech at the 2023 Princess of Asturias Award Ceremony. Campoamor Theater He is from Oviedo, where he received the award in the sports category.

“There is a strong parallel between running and our daily lives; being happy here, We need to focus on our mental health. and overcome the challenges presented to us before reaching the proverbial finish line. Because let me share something with you tonight: Someone who finishes the marathon can achieve anything in life,” he said.

One person said that neither origin nor skin color mattered when running. “Running is a tool that has the power to unite us”he celebrated, pointing out that this is something that allows different cultures and trajectories to come together.

Kipchoge revealed this When you win a race, it’s not that important to celebrate. What he does is go back to his training camp in Kenya and plant a tree. “The happiness that comes from the growth of a tree lasts many lifetimes,” he said.

But Kipchoge also advocated for the environment and education, two issues on which his eponymous foundation focuses. “We must focus on instilling sound sustainability practices that will enable us to care for our planet“The athlete commented, adding that his goal is to assist in educational programs for youth within and outside Kenya.

Kipchoge was born in Nandi County (Kenya). 5 November 1984, He is the current absolute dominant of the marathon event and is considered a legend of world athletics as well as the greatest marathon runner of all time.

In recent years, the Nandi athlete has managed to emerge victorious. 15 out of 18 tests He reached the top of the podium 10 times in four of the ‘big’ marathons in the discipline he competed in.

Because he was nicknamed ‘The Philosopher’ by the media strategic skill In racing and ability to concentrate, Kipchoge is the current Olympic marathon champion and also holds the world record in this discipline.

He began his sports career by achieving success as a long-distance runner. After becoming world champion in 5000 meters in 2003, he won a bronze medal in the same distance at the 2004 Athens Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Following an injury that prevented him from participating in the 2012 London OlympicsHe decided to replace the track with asphalt.

Won the 2016 London Marathonhere he built a new brand and arrived at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games as the absolute king of the discipline. There he authoritatively achieved his first Olympic gold medal for his record, which was completed with a new victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 due to the postponement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laureus World Sports Foundation Ambassador Eliud Kipchoge was chosen as Athlete of the Year by World Athletics twice (2018 and 2019) and was one of the ten finalists of 2021. He also founded the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation in 2021, whose aim is to facilitate children’s access to education and environmental protection.

Felipe VI praised his “gigantic effort”

In his speech thanking all awardees, King Felipe VI emphasized that Kipchoge “faced the toughest challenges throughout his sporting career” and that his “impressive achievements made him a world star.” legendary runner of all time”.

“These victories are a reflection of an attitude towards life, and that is what produces the best athletes: the desire to constantly improve, as the game teaches us well, and the healthy ambition to be better, to go further. Olympic through healthy, clean and challenging sports competitions,” the monarch continued.

“From his monumental effort over the years, he has also learned the importance of sharing success and, above all, ensuring success. most disadvantaged They can enjoy it too. Thanks to his foundation, he not only becomes someone we admire for his incredible sporting achievements, but we also especially thank him for his commitment to solidarity,” concluded Felipe VI.