Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and former U.S. President Barack Obama are joining forces in a powerful collaboration aimed at harnessing the transformative power of sport to inspire and empower the young generation.
The announcement follows a high-profile meeting between Kipchoge and Obama on Friday in Washington, D.C.
The symbolic moment brought together two global icons renowned for their leadership, discipline and advocacy for positive change.
The meeting also came just days after the marathon legend made his New York Marathon debut, where he clocked 2:14:36 to finish 17th, a remarkable performance for the 41-year-old distance maestro.
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In the aftermath of his New York run, Kipchoge unveiled plans for an ambitious world tour, where he will run seven marathons across seven continents, a campaign designed to promote human values.
The historic encounter between Kipchoge and Obama underscored a shared vision, using sport, education as well as leadership to inspire a new wave of dreamers and changemakers.
Central to their discussion was a possible collaboration between the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation and the Obama Foundation, two entities deeply rooted in empowering youth and communities.
Together, they also plan to champion youth leadership, broaden educational opportunities and ignite a global belief that no dream is too distant and no beginning too small.
“We share a vision of hope and possibility, believing that through partnership, we can create meaningful change,” Kipchoge said.
The two leaders further engaged in an inspiring exchange on leadership, legacy and the pivotal role of young people in shaping the world’s future.
“Our conversation was one of reflection and shared purpose about leadership, legacy, and how the next generation can rise through sport, education, and service,” Kipchoge revealed.
Kipchoge spoke with deep admiration for President Obama, describing him as a global symbol of unity and humility, virtues that mirror the Kenyan icon’s own philosophy both on and off the track.
“Meeting President Obama is a moment I will treasure. It strengthens my resolve to inspire those around me as we strive toward a united world,” Kipchoge added.
Their dialogue emphasised how sport and education can serve as powerful tools to uplift communities and also foster new opportunities for youth worldwide.
