FALSE: Photo does not show the drought situation in Embolioi, Kajiado County, in October 2022
Admin Kenyan and world champion Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday mid-morning tasted bitter defeat during the London marathon, crossing the finishing line a distant eighth position.
Speaking right after the race in London, UK, a freezing Kipchoge stammered while speaking.
“ My right ear got blocked in between the race, my mood changed. It was really cold out there, but I can’t blame the weather conditions. My biggest problem was my hip and my ears which blocked,” said the last year London Marathon king who failed to defend his crown and got dethroned.
Surprise package Shura Kitata carried the day in two hours, five minutes and 41 seconds. The Ethiopian who last year only came second, this time sprinted towards the finish line shoulder to shoulder with Vincent Kipchumba.
The Kenyan, Kipchumba could not salvage the day and bring glory to Kenya, but seemed to have lost some gas in the last five seconds to cross the line.
“I will come back stronger; I still got some energy left in me. I am looking forward to competing in other marathons in future. But for now, I will go back to the drawing board with my coaching staff and see what’s best for me, but be sure I will come back stronger,” vowed Kipchoge who despite his words of bravado, seemed weak before the cameras.
Four-time winner Kipchoge was the favorite especially after arch rival Kenenisa Bekele withdrew from the race, but fell behind with two laps to go and finished a distant eighth position.
By Shadrack Andenga Odinga
