jury of this year
This year’s jury is a distinguished panel led by swimmer Teresa Perales Fernández as president and Theresa Zabell Lucas as secretary. The lineup also features Abel Antón Rodrigo, Teresa Bernadas Porto, Gemma Castaño Vinyals, Cristina Cubero Alcalde, Joaquín Folch-Rusiñol Corachán, Juan Ignacio Gallardo, Patricia García Rodríguez, Vicente Jiménez Navas, Feliciano López Díaz-Guerra, Lluís Mascaró Serra, Guadalupe Porras Ayuso, Julián Redondo Pérez, and Samuel Sánchez González. [Citation: Princess of Asturias Awards Foundation]
Eliud Kipchoge was born in Nandi, Kenya. He has competed at the highest level since 2002, initially focusing on the 5000 meters. He earned a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Games and a silver at the Beijing 2008 Games. He is married with three children and, at 39, carries a record of consistency that few athletes can match. His wins span major marathons and Olympic triumphs, including gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, along with victories in the Marathon Majors of London, Chicago, and Berlin. [Citation: Official Olympic and Marathon records]
Universe-spanning achievements have followed Kipchoge, who often reflects on the power of sport to shape lives. His approach blends relentless training with a philosophy of possibility, a mindset that resonates with runners and fans around the globe. He has become a symbol of perseverance and discipline in long-distance running. [Citation: Sports archives and Kipchoge interviews]
records
The current official world record for the marathon stands at 2:01:39, set at the 2018 Berlin Marathon. The time marked the closest approach yet to breaking the two-hour barrier under standard racing conditions. Kipchoge’s two-hour attempt in Vienna was a landmark moment widely discussed in athletic circles, even though it did not meet official race criteria due to the format, pacing car, and planned support crew. The event featured a controlled setup designed to maximize consistency rather than to produce an openly contested world record. [Citation: Berlin Marathon records; Vienna event coverage]
That Vienna performance reached 1:59:40 on a designed course. While it is celebrated as a bold demonstration of human potential, it is not recognized as an official world record because the conditions diverged from standard competitive rules. The effort underscored Kipchoge’s belief that limits exist only to be tested and redefined. He noted that the motivation behind pushing the pace was to inspire others to believe that no human being has limits. He described running as a form of freedom that can elevate lives and communities. [Citation: Kipchoge interviews and coverage of the event]
The broader impact of Kipchoge’s career extends beyond medals and times. His stance on accessibility to sport emphasizes the idea that early childhood education and environmental stewardship matter just as much as athletic achievement. The message has resonated with supporters and organizations around the world, reinforcing the role of sport in social responsibility. [Citation: Foundation statements and philanthropic reports]