Two-time Olympic men's marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya will be chasing history as he attempts to become the first man to win three Olympic gold medals in the iconic endurance event.
Kipchoge, who will also become the first Kenyan to make five appearances at the Olympics, talked about his goals during an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) before heading to Paris for the upcoming Games.
The 39-year-old has enjoyed a long and decorated career as a runner, and made his breakthrough way back in 2003, when he won a gold medal for Kenya in men's 5,000m event at the World Championships in Paris.
He later claimed the Olympic title twice in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and is now looking to defend his title in Paris, a place where he holds fond memories given his past success there.
"2003 was the beginning of my life in sport, and I can say I'm happy to go back there again to compete and show the world where my life begins. Luckily, I'm still there to show longevity and the love of sport," said Kipchoge.
The athlete added that he hopes to make history at this year's Games.
"Paris 2024 is really special, actually, in my career and generally in sports. First of all to be the first Kenyan to be in Olympics five times. Second is that I'll be trying to compete and win, and actually fight for the three-time gold medal, to become the first human being to win back to back to back. And it's really special," he said.
Despite his past glory in the French capital, this will be the first time Kipchoge has ran a marathon in the city. While a tough race is assured, he insists he is more than up for the occasion.
"I've gone through the course. It's really challenging. First is that it's really hot in Paris in August. The second is it's up and down, which is a huge challenge to everybody. But nevertheless, I don't complain, because all of us will be running on the same terrain, the same weather, all of us will fight it. Always say the best trained and the best prepared athlete will take the day," he said.
Above all, the marathon runner said he cherishes another opportunity for the world's best athletes to come together.
"I'm excited to see how competitive [the Games] will be in 2024 and all these games are competitive, from a short distance, to swimming, to football, to everything. It's summer and it's hot. It's really exciting to see, and above all to see people of all colors and of all religions meeting together and mingling in one place in the athletes' village," Kipchoge said.
The Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to get underway on Friday and will run through to August 11, while the Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8.
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Kenya's two-time Olympic marathon champion sets sights on historic third gold in Paris