Paris 2024 Olympics men's marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto reckons Kenyan marathoners can bounce back strongly from a lukewarm performance in France and post better results in future competitions.
Kipruto was Kenya's best-placed contestant in the blistering 42km race.
He braved the sweltering Paris weather to clock 2:07:00 on the penultimate day of the competition, wrapping up third behind Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola who breasted the tape at 2:06:26. Belgium's Bashir Abdi finished second in 2:06:47.
Speaking at the JKIA after returning from the games on Tuesday night, Kipruto said he put his best forward in the race but his dream of tucking away the coveted gold proved elusive.
"The race was difficult, but we gave it our all. We were exhausted after climbing steep hills. The course has a unique design. However, we sacrificed everything to protect our nation," he remarked.
“It was hot and the route was challenging. The 28-kilometre slope had an abrupt descent. Bronze wasn't simple to come by. I am thrilled with my bronze medal considering this was my first Olympic experience. I hope to advance to silver or gold in the future. This is just the beginning," he continued.
He believes all is not lost and the future remains bright for Kenya's marathoners who fell short of defending the title Eliud Kipchoge won at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
“We are back home to strategies afresh how we can go for the gold medal next time. We shall be back to the drawing board to chart the way forward," he said.
“It's not the end. We still have a lot of opportunities ahead that we shall use to make the country proud. You shall see more of us shortly."
He described the Paris course as tough and steep.
Kipruto, representing Kenya for the first time at the premier global quadrennial showpiece, was thrilled with his bronze medal.
He reckons the next generation of Kenyan marathoners will draw immense inspiration from his exceptional performance in the French capital.
“Wearing the Kenyan colours has challenged me to work harder so that I can wear it again and again. It made me happy. wearing the Kenyan colours was an honour,” Kipruto said.
The second-best performing Kenyan was Alexandra Munyao who came in the 21st also in his Olympic debut and first time representing Kenya in a championship.
Double Olympic Champion in the marathon Eliud Kipchoge felt back pain at 20km, he was seen touching his hip and eventually dropped out due to the pain extending to his waist. The greatest marathon runner ever describes the race as his worst ever.
“Today was a tough day in my office, as always you can’t predict what will happen. You can be training for a very long time but it is like boxing, you can go to the boxing camp for five months and be knocked out in two seconds. It is frustrating but all in all, life will continue.”
