A section of netizens is not taking it lightly after legendary marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge was named alongside other Kenyan personalities as a ‘fitness influencer’ nominee in the upcoming Africa Digital Influencer Awards (ADIA). Kipchoge was placed in the same category as Mitchelle Adagala, Shiverenje Simani, Tallia Oyando, and Everlyn Okinyi, all of whom are predominantly popular because of their online presence.
Part of netizens strongly feels that Kipchoge, who holds the marathon world record for a run during competition: (a blistering time of 2:01:39, set at the 2018 Berlin marathon), was simply too big for a tag such as “digital influencer”.
A Twitter user identified as @MarigaThoithi explained that Kipchoge is the greatest marathoner of all time and should not be included in such a list.
“Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathoner of all time. He’s a living legend. Please don’t try and fit him into the limited social media categorisations that is being an influencer,” his tweet read.
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In the same breath, @k_marilyne on Twitter demand respect for Kipchoge, seconding the opinion that he is too significant for a digital influencer tag.
“The audacity to place @EliudKipchoge in this category. The GOAT cannot be compared to digital influencers…no offense, but he is on a league of his own! Put some respect to the name!” the tweet read.
Kipchoge is the world record holder in the 42 km marathon with a record time of 2:01:39, set on September 16, 2018, at the 2018 Berlin Marathon. He is also the first human being to run a 42 km race under 2 hours when he participated in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria, in October 2019.
He clocked a record time 1:59:40. This is, however, an unofficial record. Nonetheless, he entered the Guinness World Records with the titles’ Fastest marathon distance (male)’ and ‘First marathon distance run under two hours. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kipchoge supported fellow athletes by providing food and other essential commodities.
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Kipchoge’s hopes of retaining the title in the London Marathon was shuttered after he fell to seventh place. However, he recently revealed that he hopes to compete in next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Kipchoge told American former 200m and 400m record holder Michael Johnson in an interview that he was eager to defend the title he won four years ago at the Rio Olympics. Kipchoge, like other athletes, was not able to normally train or compete for a prolonged period due to the health situation and government restrictions aimed at containing the spread of the virus.
“Of course, I was really looking forward to running in Tokyo at the Olympics. Unfortunately, COVID-19 changed the world and health and safety is the first priority. I am really looking forward to running next year,” Kipchoge said.