- Kipchoge finishes in 2:08.38 in brutal Sapporo conditions
- Dutchan Nageeye takes silver and Belgian Abdi bronze
Eliud Kipchoge cemented his place as the greatest distance runner of all time as he retained his Olympic marathon title in brutal conditions in Sapporo. As the Kenyan crossed the line in 2:08.38, he thumped his chest and smiled. Behind him a string of top-class athletes bowed their heads in pain – and respect to the little master.
“I think I have fulfilled the legacy by winning the marathon for the second time, back to back,” he said. “I hope now to help inspire the next generation.