Habari za Wiki - 10 August, 2021

From The Enda Community

The weekend in one picture! 

Sweeneydoes sharing some joy watching the men’s Olympic marathon

@sweeneydoes sharing some joy watching the men’s Olympic marathon had this to say: 

“Congrats to Eliud Kipchoge. By far the greatest runner I've ever seen. Maybe the greatest athlete? Also seems like a pretty nice guy🙂. 

No doubt, Eliud is a super nice guy😃!

From Us At Enda

We have been keen to hear your feedback since bringing the new Enda Lapatets to life. First up are two reviews we are looking forward to. Here are the first impressions from @doctorsofrunning and Seth Demoor also chats a bit about his second Lapatet pair.

Have you had a chance to try them out? We would like to hear and share your thoughts as we shape things up. Just tag us here. If you are yet to check them out, and looking to get a new pair, now would be the time to grab a pair:

The Running News

It's a wrap for one of History’s most controversial games. The Tokyo flame went out officially on Sunday after a thrilling event that defied odds. The closing ceremony that was unusual in itself was marked by masks and fireworks. Kenya tops the medal chart in Africa after bagging 10 medals and ranks 19th Overall. Congratulations to all the Athletes and everyone involved.

Eliud Kipchoge Relishes At Another Olympic Dream

There’s no doubt by now that Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest of all time. Kipchoge might not have come close to challenging his world record of 2.01.39 but he became the third man to win an Olympic marathon twice after successfully defending his Rio Title. The Olympic marathon was one of a kind, a battle of harsh temperature and humidity conditions that saw only 30 of the 106 fail to finish. Despite the brutal conditions, Kipchoge still managed to pull clear of the leading pack and ran the 8 miles plus alone only to finish strong. 

Kipchoge crossed the Olympic marathon finish line in a time of 2:8:38, over a minute ahead of Netherlands' Abdi Nageeye who won the silver medal in 2:09:58. This second Olympic gold medal adds to Eliud’s reputation as the greatest of all time. We must say it was a bit of a tough moment watching Abdi and the bronze medalist Belgium's Bashir Abdi displacing Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono a few steps to the finish line.

In a post on his social media, Eliud explains to the world that his victory has taken a lifetime of preparation and that he is happy to have lived his Olympic dream. In his words “ A running world is a Happy World”. Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge.

Faith Kipyegon Sets A New Olympic Record 

Faith Kipyegon moments after winning the 1500m gold medal

Faith Kipyegon moments after winning the 1500m gold medal. (Photo by Matthias Hangst / Getty Images via CFP)

Faith Kipyegon defended her 1500M title at the Tokyo Olympics setting a new Olympic record of 3.53.11. A victory that saw her become the first woman to win a back-to-back Olympic Gold medal since 1980 when Tatyana Kazakanina defended her 1976 medal. In an exciting race that shattered the Dutch star, Sifan Hassan’s hope to win yet another Gold, Kipyegon had quite the finish. The supermom dedicated her Gold medal to her daughter who she says wanted her to bring home a gold medal and she did just that.

This appreciation of Faith from Carson Frenzy on Facebook sums it up: “She stepped away from the motherly duties to answer the call to represent her country. She did it so well and brought the gold medal. This is beyond honor and pride.”

Congratulations Faith and thank you for proving once more that the impossible can be done.

Peris Jepchirchir and Brigid Kosgei dominate women marathon

It was Gold and silver for Kenya this time round. After battling the hot and humid conditions in Sapporo, the two-time world half-marathon winner Jepchirchir outdueled compatriot Bridgid Kosgei in the final minutes to win Gold. Jepchirchir finished the race in a time of 2.27.20 just 16 seconds ahead of Kosgei who finished in 2.27.36. Our third hopeful at the race, Ruth Chepngetich however bowed out around 12KM to the finish line.

In her words, Jepchirchir said:  “I’m so happy because we won as Kenya, first and second. I’m happy, for my family happy for my country Kenya for supporting us.”

Timothy Cheruiyot wins silver

Silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot gifting a bracelet to Norway Gold medalist Jakob Ingebrigtsen

Silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot gifting a bracelet to Norway Gold medalist Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Photo credits: @WorldAthletics)

Timothy displayed a heartwarming act of sportsmanship at the Tokyo Olympics 1500M final after coming in second by gifting a Kenyan bracelet to his rival, the record-breaking Gold medalist Ingebrigsten. In a thrilling race that saw Ingebrigsten rounding Cheruiyot on the final lap it was clear that after dominating 12  of the previous 1500M meetings, it was going to be silver for Kenya. All in all a true patriot and quite a heartwarming moment. Congratulations Timothy!

Non-Kenyan news

Sifan Hassan pulls off distance double 

The Dutch star dominated the 10,000M and 5,000M races and became the second woman to ever win an Olympic double. A powerful and brave finisher, Sifan’s story is quite the one, from a refugee to undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes. Sifan Hassan put up a tremendous fight and got the ultimate reward for it here. You can watch a wrap of the moments here. Thank you for inspiring generations. 

73 years later, a 4x100m win for Italy

After missing the 2014 youth Olympic finals, Tortu anchored Italy to win their first-ever global 4x100 title. It was quite the result given that Italy had not won a medal in the 4x100m since the 1948 Olympic games. Beautiful moments take time and sacrifice, but they sure do happen.

What a couple of weeks it has been, despite all that was happening in the world, the Tokyo Olympic games renewed hope and united many of us. What do you reckon? The biggest lesson for us from this game is “You are Never too Young or too Old to chase your dream.”