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Lessons from Eluid Kipchoge’s defeat at Boston marathon


Although celebrated Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge lost at the 127th Boston Marathon on April 17, 2023, to many he will still remain the Greatest Athlete of All Time (G.O.A.T).

Kipchoge finished sixth in Boston, recording a timing of two hours, nine minutes and 23 seconds, the slowest marathon time of his career. That result though had several lessons written all over it.

Here are some of the lessons we learn from the G.O.A.T in the Boston Marathon.

1. Never give up

While he could drop on the way or decide to give up after struggling for long spells during the race, Kipchoge elected to soldier on, he never gave up and stayed on the course till he reached the finish line. Because of this, we learn that no matter what life brings our way, we still have to keep going until we reach our destiny. It is also said that it doesn’t matter which number you finish; what matters is the determination to reach your goals.

2. Celebrate others.

After finishing sixth, Kipchoge still had the courage to congratulate his compatriot Evans Chebet who retained the title after timing 2:05:54. Kipchoge, 38, still had this to say, “In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge.” His positive attitude is a sure sign that he celebrates and acknowledges others achievements.

3. Accept defeat

“Today (April 17,2023) was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height,” those were the words of the celebrated record holder. He recognizes that you cannot win all the time. He acknowledged that there are challenges in the way to success. This is the attitude that we need to have as we face life.

4. Pick yourself up and face the future with hope

Just as it is written in the Holy Bible in Proverbs 24:16 (New King James Version (NKJV)), “For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.”

This seems to console the G.O.A.T. From his statement after losing the Boston marathon, he noted that he is looking forward to the future. He understands that there are several opportunities still ahead of him.

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