NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 29 – After hitting the headlines thanks to a new marathon world record set in Berlin, mega superstar Eliud Kipchoge is hoping his success will transfer to his English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur when they face leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break and with nine fixtures lined up, top clash will see the Gunners face an acid test against a rejuvenated Spurs side at the Emirates Stadium.
Kipchoge fresh from breaking his own world record, setting a new time of 2:01:09, said he intends to attend the early kick-off London Derby since he will be in the United Kingdom as a guest at this year’s London Marathon to take place on Sunday.
“We (Tottenham) are in good shape and I wish them success in their game against Arsenal, I am rooting for them. It is a good game to watch and I will be in London and I may go watch the match,” Kipchoge, considered as the Greatest Marathoner of All Time said.
Kipchoge is an adamant Spurs fan and if he brings good luck to the side and Manchester City lose or drop points to Wolves, then the Antonio Conte charges will leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the table.
The double Olympic Champion said the good-will messages he received from fans across the globe including seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton motivated him to succeed in Berlin Marathon.
“I want to appreciate all those who sent me good-will messages ahead of the Berlin Marathon, it really inspired me to my victory and said to myself that I will not let them down. Getting a message from Hamilton was so humbling, it meant that the Greatest of All Time recognises my work and inspiration to many, it gave me a positive energy. Thank you all,” Kipchoge said.
Kipchoge, who has been in the field of athletics for 19 years now, said he is now concentrating on recovery after Berlin Marathon and that he will announce the next move when the right time comes.
“Paris 2024 Olympics is still far, I have no plan for now, I am concentrating purely on recovery and what has happened in the last four months, what happened in Berlin, and doing things with my sponsors who have been with me for the last 10 years. In the next few months I will tell you what follows,” legendary Kipchoge told Capital Sport.
-Advice to London Marathon-
Ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday, Kipchoge who has won the race four-times, wished the Kenyan athletes well, saying the athlete who prepared and planned well will carry the day.
“All athletes who are in London have prepared well and planned well, they should trust themselves and go for their goals, the well prepared and planned person will carry the day, I am asking them to believe in themselves and run in a good way,” Kipchoge advised.
Kenya will be represented by 2019 World Bronze medallist Amos Kipruto who also competed at the Tokyo Olympics, Vincent Kipchumba, who finished second last year, and will face Ethiopian star Kenenisa Bekele as the main challenger after Mo Farah pulled out.
In the women’s race Kenya’s flag will be represented by Joyciline Jepkosgei who is the defending champion after World Record holder Brigid Kosgei withdrew.