Eliud Kipchoge ‘expects’ to win third Olympic Games marathon

Kipchoge will turn 40 in November and he would not be drawn when asked if he could race at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“In Kenya we say you don’t chase two rabbits at a time, you will miss all of them. You chase one,” he said.

“So the rabbit of the Olympic Games is what I’m chasing now. After that I go back to the drawing board, see what’s in my bucket list and start again to chase the next.”

In the meantime, as questions persist over when he plans to retire, he has reiterated his commitment to inspire people of all levels to be active.

“If you can convince me that the moment I will be crossing the finishing line the whole world has become a running world then I will retire,” he added.

Kipchoge was in the French capital on Thursday as part of Kenya’s kit launch for the Games, and he will also receive a financial reward should he defend his marathon title.

In a first for the Olympics, World Athletics president Lord Coe has announced that all athletics gold medallists in Paris will earn $50,000 (£40,100) in prize money.

Kipchoge believes the development will boost the sport in the long term.

“I don’t run because of money but I run because I want to perform,” Kipchoge said.

“It was a great idea for Seb Coe and World Athletics. For the young generations I think it’s a good idea to develop – it makes sport more interesting.”