Kenya’s Kipchoge Dominates, Defends Olympic Marathon Title
Aug 7, 2021, 7:25 PM
Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge celebrates after winning the men's marathon final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo on August 8, 2021. (Photo by Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
SAPPORO, Japan (AP) — Eliud Kipchoge pulled away late and no one could come close to catching him as the 36-year-old from Kenya defended his Olympic marathon title.
Kipchoge finished in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, 38 seconds on a breezy and humid morning along the streets of Sapporo.
It was more than 80 seconds ahead of runner-up Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands.
Back-to-back golds!#KEN's Eliud Kipchoge wins his second consecutive Olympic men's marathon in a time of 2:08.38.@WorldAthletics #Athletics @OlympicsKe pic.twitter.com/pqDsJDVxDw
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
Bashir Abdi of Belgium earned bronze to close out the track and field portion of the Tokyo Games.
Kipchoge becomes the third athlete to win multiple gold medals in the men’s marathon, joining Abebe Bikila and Waldemar Cierpinski.
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