Kenya’s two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge spent time mentoring athletes from the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team in Kapsabet,
During the session, Kipchoge emphasized that being a refugee is not a limitation but an opportunity.
“Being a refugee is not the end of life. In fact, it is the beginning of life, because as a refugee you have a lot of fruits hanging in this world,” Kipchoge said, encouraging the athletes to see themselves as equal to others.
He reinforced the importance of self-confidence, education, and discipline in pursuing success.
The athlete also shared life lessons with seven student-athletes and their coaches, emphasizing the need for faith, respect, and consistency. He urged the athletes to focus on long-term success rather than shortcuts like drugs.
“True champions are winning by their own sweat, blood, and hard work,” Kipchoge told them, inspiring the athletes to aim not just for personal success but to become legends who make an impact for refugees globally.
Success in sports and education for athletes
The athletes, inspired by Kipchoge’s humility and wisdom, expressed their aspirations to succeed in both education and sports. They appreciated his advice on pushing through challenges. Kipchoge reminded them, “Success takes time. You must know what you want, and where you want to go in your education and athletics.”
The session, filled with interaction, questions, and motivation, left the athletes and their coaches encouraged.
Kipchoge praised the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team program for providing opportunities and resources to refugee athletes, calling it a symbol of progress and hope for the future.
Through his mentorship, Kipchoge continues to inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.
Story originally published by World Athletics.
