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Shock as Kenyan marathon world champion Kipchoge withdraws from Paris Olympics

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Five-time Berlin Marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge, has caused shock with an unexpected announcement that he will not be defending his marathon title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion, in a disheartening message he personally released on Monday, said he would be withdrawing from the Olympic Games which kicks off in July.

In the statement, the Kenyan cited personal reasons for his decision to withdraw from the games, noting his desire to focus on other endeavours.

The Olympic champion who expressed his gratitude for the support he had received throughout his career, also stated that he needed a change of direction.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Kipchoge said in the statement.

“Competing at the Olympics has always been a great thing and I was looking forward to winning my third successive title.

“However, at this juncture in my life, I feel compelled to explore new opportunities and challenges,” the four-time London Marathon champion said.

Kenyan athletics lovers and the media had banked on Kipchoge to successfully defend his multiple Olympic gold medals but the news of his withdrawal has sent shockwaves across the country.

Kipchoge has long been regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time and his decision has not been taken lightly by his fans who were hoping to see him descend on the start line one more time.

While Kipchoge’s absence will be greatly felt at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the event is expected to showcase a new generation of talented athletes vying for glory on the world stage who will gladly take the opportunity to shine in the event.

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Moroccan steeplechase star El Bakkali aims for gold at Paris Olympics

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Morocco’s steeplechase champion, Soufiane El Bakkali, says he is aiming for the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics after clinching victory in the 3000m at the 15th Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting on Sunday with a season’s best time of 8:09.40.

At the meeting which was part of the Diamond League series, El Bakkali narrowly edged out his fiercest rival, Ethiopian Wale Getnet, who clocked a time of 8:09.78, and Kenyan Amos Serem, who completed the race in 8:10.82.

“Despite my long absence due to injury, I always kept hope. I trained intensely to win this victory, which was not easy,” El Bakkali stated after the race.

He added that he adopted a different race strategy for this event as anticipation builds for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

El Bakkali who said he is acutely aware of the high expectations from Moroccan supporters, called on fans to continue their support as he aims to secure the gold medal.

The fourth stage of the Diamond League brings together athletes from all over the world, including Olympic champions and world champions.

El Bakkali’s victory in Marrakech marks a significant milestone in his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he aims to defend his Olympic title in the steeplechase.

The Mohammed VI Meeting in Marrakech is one of Africa’s premier track and field events, attracting many of the world’s top athletes and El Bakkali’s victory was a testament to his strong form as he gears up for the Olympics where he will face formidable competition from athletes like Getnet and Serem, who pushed him hard in Marrakech.

With the Olympics just under 67 days away, the Moroccan said the victory boosts his confidence, confirming that his training is on track.

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South African Akani Simbine beats Omanyala to pick 100m gold at Atlanta City Games

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South African sprint sensation, Akani Simbine, on Saturday at the Atlanta City Games further put a dent on Kenyan 100m African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala’s claims of being the continent’s king of sprint by pipping him to the second spot.

The defeat by Simbine meant that Omanyala was handed his second 100m defeat in less than a week.

Omanyala who is Africa’s fastest man at the moment and Commonwealth Games champion has however, insisted that the two successive defeats he has suffered does not take anything away from his position as Africa’s sprint king as he is taking a different approach to his season and has noted that he will only peak when the time is necessary with the main focus being the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

After the heats, Omanyala noted that they shall be keen to take a day at a time and improve on the weak areas

“We are taking it a race at a time and it’s a long season where the main target is the Olympic Games so we are not going to peak too early this time and we are handling each race as it comes and improving on the important areas,” Omanyala said.

At the Atlanta City Games proper, Omanyala had a great start off the blocks and seemed to be in great shape to take the win Simbine had the better chance as his finishing was top notch.

Athletics World reports that
Simbine crossed the finish line in a world leading time of 9.90 while Omanyala came in second in 10.10.

“After the race, Simbine was over the moon and noted how it was important to represent his country with pride and place their name on the world map,” the report said.

“You know I’m representing South Africa and I’m happy with the win and I’m so happy to be out here. I’ve always been part of the conversation. I’ve never left so we’ll see.”

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