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Nageyee is based in Eldoret Kenya, where he has lived and trained for 14 years despite representing Netherlands at international level - even winning silver for them at the Tokyo Olympic games, but his New York 2024 marathon win has finally earned him celebrity status there.
After his historic win at the 2024 New York Marathon, Abdi Nageeye has found himself in the spotlight like never before in Eldoret, Kenya, where he has lived and trained for 14 years.
His victory not only made him the first Dutch runner to claim the prestigious title but also earned him newfound respect in the running heartland of Kenya.
Nageeye, who represents the Netherlands internationally and clinched a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, edged out Kenyan Evans Chebet in a thrilling finish, clocking 2:07:39. Despite his Olympic success, he admitted that the media attention from his New York Marathon win has been unparalleled:
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06:30 - 07.11.2024
Abdi Nageeye: A look into the New York City Marathon champion's super shoes that were won by the late Kelvin Kiptum
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"At the Olympics, there are many athletes, but here, you are practically the only one," he shared on Citius Mag.
For many Kenyan athletes in Eldoret and Iten, where he trains, the victory solidified his reputation as a world-class marathoner.
"Kenyans have more respect for you if you beat those athletes because everyone is trying to beat another," he noted. "It’s an individual sport, so only one person can win."
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11:10 - 06.11.2024
Abdi Nageeye: New York City Marathon champion reveals how relocating to Kenya shaped his illustrious career
Abdi Nageeye credits relocating to Kenya at 21 as a transformative step in his marathon career, inspiring him to adopt the lifestyle and training methods of top Kenyan runners, ultimately leading him to success, including his recent New York City Marathon win.
A Long Journey to Success
Nageeye's journey is a tale of perseverance. Born in Somalia, he moved to the Netherlands at six, lived in Syria and Somalia again, and finally returned to the Netherlands after being adopted. At 21, inspired by a story of a Dutchwoman excelling in table tennis after relocating to China, he made the bold decision to move to Iten, Kenya, to train with the best distance runners in the world.
Despite having lived in Kenya for 14 years, his recent marathon triumph has made him a household name. He shared his gratitude for the local support:
"I’ve come to this track so many years, and these athletes have seen me train here for so long. To achieve something like this, they’ve been very happy for me."
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05:49 - 19.11.2024
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Sharing Knowledge and Giving Back
Nageeye has become a mentor to many Kenyan athletes, offering advice and sharing his experiences. He prides himself on being approachable and generous with his insights:
"I also give a lot of Kenyan athletes advice. I am very open."
His success story resonates deeply with the local community, where marathon running is highly celebrated.
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05:51 - 19.11.2024
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Adapting to Fame
Balancing his newfound celebrity status has been "hectic," but Nageeye is embracing the attention:
"It’s part of the game. I am enjoying it," he said, reflecting on the whirlwind days following his victory.
As he basks in his achievement, Nageeye continues to inspire not only in Kenya but also internationally, showing that perseverance and determination can lead to extraordinary success, even in a highly competitive field.
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