TSR We Global: Black Excellence can often times be historical and that’s certainly the case for Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge’s major accomplishment.
Kipchoge, the reigning Olympic marathon champion, successfully completed the first ever marathon under two hours Saturday in #Vienna, Austria, according to CNN. He celebrated the athletic milestone two years after he fell 25 seconds short.
His official time for running 26.2 miles was 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds. He used his grand feat to inspire others with the hashtag #NoHumanIsLimited.
“Today we went to the Moon and came back to earth! I am at a loss for words for all the support I have received from all over the world,” Kipchoge said on his Instagram page. “Today was about inspiring the world and show everyone that #NoHumanIsLimited. No matter the challenge in life. Thank you to all who gave me the opportunity. Asante.”
For his attempt to break the barrier, Kipchoge was being backed by petrochemical company Ineos in an attempt called the “1:59 Challenge.”
During the race, Kipchoge followed behind a car keeping his time and was assisted by an army of 30 pacemakers.
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated Kipchoge in a tweet after Kipchoge completed the marathon: “You’ve done it, you’ve made history and made Kenya proud while at it. Your win today, will inspire tens of future generations to dream big and to aspire for greatness. We celebrate you and wish you God’s blessings.”
Kipchoge responded to critics of the manufactured conditions surrounding the attempt to run the 2-hour mile.
“The law of nature cannot allow all human beings to think together,” Kipchoge said. “In breaking the two-hour barrier, I want to open minds to think that no human is limited. All our minds, all our thoughts are parallel. But I respect everybody’s thoughts.”
Congrats to Kipchoge on an amazing accomplishment and breaking barriers for humankind!
