Mzungu Man Who Ran 2:00:35 in Honour of Kelvin Kiptum Speaks to TUKO.co.ke: "We Had Dinner Together"

 

The American national whose tribute to the late world marathoner Kelvin Kiptum warmed hearts has disclosed his relationship with the celebrated athlete. Kelvin Kiptum speaks during a conference before the World Athletics Awards in Monaco (l). Jordan Guether holding Kiptum's record-breaking sign (r).  Jordan Guenther ran 2:00:35 in Chicago, the exact place and time Kiptum took to set a world record on October 8, 2023.  In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Guenther revealed that he physically met and talked with the deceased in October moments before and after his win in Chicago. He and other Kenyan athletes had a friendly discussion and even shared a meal. Following the victory that brought joy to the world, Guenther was fortunate to be one of the friends who posed for a photo with Kiptum's record-breaking sign. "2023 was my first time meeting him. We all had dinner the night before his world record, he was also at our table and sat two chairs over. I enjoyed watching his world record race. I felt it was only right to take the drive to Chicago and honour Kelvin for 2:00:35," he said. When did Guenther join Team Kenya? According to the Kenyan fan and athletics enthusiast, Guenther mentioned that he has engaged with numerous athletes such as world marathoners Faith Kipyegon, Mary Moraa, Benson Kipruto, and Faith Chemutai Chepkwony, among others. Kipyegon gifted him her jersey after the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Guenther has supported Kenya in two Olympics, five outdoor world championships, and other marathons in Europe for over 10 years. "I love not only supporting them when running but developing friendships outside of running too and learning who they are beyond running and I know the athletes appreciate that as everything is genuine and from the heart," he admitted. "I love athletics and having friends competing is extra special. It’s one thing to “know” the athletes and one thing to “know” them. It’s like when someone is watching a significant other or a child compete. It’s extra special and that’s how I see supporting friends," he added. How is Jordan Guenther's relationship with Kenya? Interestingly, the sports fanatic has had a long history with Kenya and its people. His first interaction with a Kenyan was in 2011. From then on, his love for the country grew, compelling him to pay his first visit in 2013. Guenther disclosed that he made subsequent trips to the country and now hopes for his 10th visit in 2024. During the nine trips, he visited several tourist attraction sites and interacted with different people and animals. He says, his love for Kenya originates from the heart. "I love all animals and people. Such a beautiful country. I’ve been to Kenya 9 times and many know I love Kenya athletics a lot. My favourite place in the world. I have visited almost every part of Kenya," Guether confessed. According to him, on his next visit to Kenya, if it found Kiptum alive and in the country, he would visit his rural home.  "I would have visited him if both of our schedules allowed, I had yet to book my flight to Kenya when he was alive, so it’s possible he might have been in another country for a race," he said. 

BY TUKO NEWS