Eliud Kipchoge's Masterclass in Mentorship and Legacy at the 2025 World Championships

Former marathon world record holder and two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has announced his voluntary withdrawal from Kenya's squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This article delves into the thoughtful decision by one of history's greatest athletes.

Brenda Ochieng'
July 22, 2025

“I am just so incredibly happy to have finally run the World Record,” says Eliud Kipchoge. (VICTOR SAILER/PHOTO RUN)

Eliud Kipchoge has confirmed he will not be part of Kenya’s formidable squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This decision, a voluntary step aside for younger talent, has been officially revealed by Athletics Kenya Youth and Development Director Barnaba Korir, marking a thoughtful and strategic pivot by one of the sport's towering figures. Kipchoge’s career has always been characterized by a discerning focus. While his achievements on the Olympic stage and in major marathon circuits are the stuff of legend, his engagement with the World Championships has been notably selective. His last appearance at this global showpiece dates back over a decade to 2011 in Daegu, South Korea, where he competed in the 5,000m race, placing 7th. This current choice to opt out, therefore, aligns with a long-standing pattern of calculated decisions, prioritizing specific goals and challenges. Korir emphasized that the decision was entirely Kipchoge’s, stemming from a desire to create a vital opening for promising emerging athletes. "We asked Kipchoge if he would participate, but he said he would prefer someone else to go this time round," Korir told Citizen Digital, adding, "We don’t want to pressure him although we’d have liked him to go.” This sentiment highlights the profound respect and understanding Athletics Kenya holds for its iconic champion.

This recent announcement comes on the heels of mixed public reactions to Kipchoge’s selection for the Paris Olympic Games earlier this year, where his form drew some public debate. However, Korir was quick to clarify that Kipchoge’s absence from the Tokyo World Championships is definitively not a reflection of performance concerns. Instead, it is a conscious, deliberate choice to step back and create invaluable space for promising younger Kenyan athletes to gain crucial experience and exposure on the world stage. This statesmanlike decision transcends immediate competitive pressures, focusing instead on the long-term health and vitality of the national team.
Indeed, Kipchoge’s influence extends far beyond his physical presence on the track. His very being in the sport, his unwavering dedication, and his past participations at the highest level profoundly motivate aspiring athletes. As Korir rightly highlighted, "What many people don’t know is that his participation on the biggest stage inspires a lot of athletes. Some of these athletes are fired up when they see the greats lining up with them." This time, Kipchoge chooses to inspire from a different vantage point, acting as a silent mentor and a living testament to the heights achievable through discipline and determination. His decision strategically paves the way, ensuring that Kenya continues to produce a robust pipeline of world-class talent ready to conquer global stages.
In essence, Eliud Kipchoge’s choice to skip the 2025 World Championships underscores his unwavering commitment to Kenya's athletic future, cementing his legacy as a visionary who actively builds bridges for the next generation.

About the Author

Brenda Ochieng'

Brenda Ochieng'

Brenda Ochieng' is a passionate storyteller and film enthusiast. With a background in film and video production and she brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to her work. As a dedicated blogger, Brenda loves sharing insights on production techniques, blogging, and the art of storytelling. She is also a skilled editor and communicator, bringing a fresh perspective to her writing. Join Brenda as she delves into the captivating world of entertainment and news, sharing her knowledge and passion with you.

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