Tokyo Olympics: Eliud Kipchoge Storms to Victory to Retain Marathon Title

• Eliud Kipchoge's victory now means he is only the third athlete in history to successfully defend an Olympic title
• Despite the harsh weather conditions in Sapporo, Kipchoge had no problem in proving once again why he is the world's greatest marathoner
• The Kenyan athlete powered to victory after posting 2.08.38 to finish ahead of Dutchman Abdi Negeeye and Belgian Bashir Abdi
• Lawrence Cherono had to settle for a fourth-place finish to miss out on a medal as his compatriot Amos Kipruto dropped out

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Eliud Kipchoge has successfully defended his Olympic title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kipchoge, who won gold during the 2016 Rio Olympics was looking to retain the crown during the postponed Summer Games in Sapporo, northern Japan.

The marathon icon clocked an impressive 2.08.38 to storm to victory to win Team Kenya's fourth gold medal in Tokyo.

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The 36-year-old showed the intent of proving once again why he is the world's greatest after the 30km-mark when he broke to take a comfortable lead.

He went out on his own after the 35-km mark to make a significant gap before crossing at the 40km-mark in 2.01.55 in brutal Sapporo conditions.

Reacting to his victory, Kipchoge said he had "fulfilled" his legacy, underscoring his desire now to "inspire the next generation."

“I think I have fulfilled the legacy by winning the marathon for the second time, back to back,” he said. “I hope now to help inspire the next generation," The Guardian quoted him saying.

“This means a lot for me, especially at this time. It was really hard last year, the Olympics was postponed. I am happy for the local organising committee who made this race happen," he added.

Kipchoge's victory came at a time many had doubts about his ability especially after he suffered his first defeat in seven years during the 2020 London marathon.

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However, he did redeem himself during the NM Mission Marathon in the Netherland months later to lay a marker for the Olympics.

His back-to-back Olympics triumphs now make him only the third athlete to do that at the Games.

Ethiopian Abebe Bikila (in 1960 and 1964) and the East German Waldemar Cierpinski (in 1972 and 1976) are the only other two athletes to successfully defend their crowns.

Meanwhile, Kenya's hopes for a clean sweep in the men's Tokyo Games were dashed after Lawrence Cherono finished fourth, with Amos Kipruto dropping out.

The Netherlands' Abdi Nageeye finished second to bag silver, with Belgian Bashir Abdi forced to settle for bronze after a third-place finish.

Faith Kipyegon wins gold

Earlier TUKO.co.ke reported Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon earned the country its second gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics thanks to an emphatic performance in the women’s 1500m finals.

Kipyegon burst into life in the final 300m to completely blow away arch-rival Sifan Hassan, who finished third.

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The Kenyan's time of 3:53:11 also set a new Olympic record.

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