Game recognises game!! Ferdinand Omanyala's inspiring message to Kelvin Kiptum after his feat in Chicago

ATHLETICS Game recognises game!! Ferdinand Omanyala's inspiring message to Kelvin Kiptum after his feat in Chicago

Abigael Wafula 12:00 - 09.10.2023

Kelvin Kiptum broke the marathon world record and Ferdinand Omanyala has shared an inspiring message to him after his exploits.

Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala has joined the masses in congratulating Kelvin Kiptum on his dominant exploits at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

Kiptum, just at 23, was the man of the moment as he obliterated Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon world record and took top honours competing in the streets of Chicago for the first time.

The reigning London Marathon champion clocked 2:00:35 to shatter Kipchoge’s world record time of 2:01:09 that he set during the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

Speaking on Sporty Monday, a show on Citizen TV, Omanyala noted that he was proud of the 23-year-old for his impeccable show.

“Of course, I’m proud of him…he is 23 years and the Chicago Marathon was only his third in his career.

That speaks a lot and congratulations to him and the most important thing in the sport is just to maintain that. Getting there is pretty much not easy but maintaining that is the real challenge,” Omanyala said.

He added that Kipchoge has been in the game for over 20 years and if Kiptum should have a few things to learn from the four-time London Marathon champion.

“Kipchoge has maintained his power for over 20 years and I pray that Kiptum also keeps the fire burning,” he said.

Kiptum made his debut at the Valencia Marathon last year and has never looked back since then. He clocked 2:01:53, the fastest debut time over the marathon.

The 23-year-old did not rest on his laurels as he proceeded to the London Marathon earlier this year and stunned the masses to clinch the title in the second-fastest time over the marathon. Kiptum clocked 2:01:25 to win the race.

His recent victory was at the Chicago Marathon where against all odds, he shattered the world record time.

He hinted at having an eye for the Olympic Games next year where he will lock horns with Kipchoge.

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