Photo Credit: Xinhua News Agency

NNA News - Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge says his focus has evolved beyond winning medals and breaking records, as he now seeks to use running as a platform to inspire young people and promote positive social change.

Speaking in an interview with Xinhua, Kipchoge reflected on a career built on discipline, resilience and self-improvement, principles that have helped him become one of the most successful distance runners in history. Born into a modest family in Kenya, Kipchoge said the hardships he experienced growing up played a key role in shaping his character. "Those hard times built my resilience, built my mind, built my muscles," he said. "I'm a believer in working hard every day, hustling to make my life better -- and that's what I've been doing."

Kipchoge recalled running long distances to school during his childhood, describing the experience as an important foundation for his future marathon career. "It was an advantage to my marathon career. I trust and believe that I'm a runner by nature, and that nature came when I was in school," he said. The Kenyan athlete said discipline remains central to his success. For him, discipline involves making sacrifices, maintaining consistency and committing to actions that benefit both personal growth and the broader community.

His daily routine reflects that commitment. Kipchoge begins training at 5:30 a.m., followed by strength exercises, a second session later in the afternoon and a weekly long-distance run. A strong believer in the philosophy that "no human is limited," Kipchoge said the motto has guided him throughout his life and sporting career. "I don't believe in limits. I believe in working hard toward any goal that I have set," he said.

Picture by 2021 Getty Images

He encouraged young people to challenge themselves and pursue excellence in whatever field they choose. Kipchoge also shared his belief that success often comes when people push beyond moments of discomfort. "When you are training or doing anything in your life, and you feel that it has really become painful, and you can't continue anymore, then that's where success is," he explained. "If you still continue to go another mile, then you will be successful."

Now in his forties, Kipchoge says he is entering a new phase of his journey, focusing less on competitive achievements and more on using sport to create opportunities for others. His newly launched World Tour will see him participate in seven marathons across seven continents to support charitable initiatives, including building libraries for underserved schools in Africa and promoting environmental sustainability. "I changed my transition from running actively and fighting for medals to chasing records in another way," he said.

Kipchoge described the marathon as a platform that can help transform lives and build stronger communities. "Marathon means life for me. It is the real platform whereby I can change the lives of other people," he said. The marathon legend also expressed optimism about the future of running in China, saying the country has significant potential due to its infrastructure, coaching expertise and growing interest in the sport. "China actually has a huge potential as far as running is concerned. China is ready to be a running nation," he said.

Picture by 2021 Getty Images

Kipchoge further called for stronger sports cooperation between China and Africa, saying exchanges between athletes and coaches would help both regions develop talent and share knowledge. "The exchange between China and Africa is awesome. We really need real cooperation to exchange knowledge in training," he said. He added that long-term partnerships in sport can contribute not only to athletic development but also to broader social progress. |  Source: Xinhua News Agency