Amos Kipruto, the former London Marathon champion, recently reflected on a challenging period in his career that nearly led him to quit athletics. Despite his victory at the 2022 London Marathon, Kipruto struggled to regain his form on the global stage, largely due to a series of injuries that hampered his performances. In 2023, he returned to the London Marathon, but his race ended in disappointment as he failed to finish. He also participated in the Berlin Marathon that same year, where he finished a distant seventh while Eliud Kipchoge claimed the top honors.
The injuries took a significant toll on Kipruto, causing him to question his future in the sport. In an interview with CGTN Africa, he admitted that the physical setbacks were nearly “traumatizing.” He described injuries as the “main monster” in athletics, and they often led him to consider quitting. However, he credited his coach for being a great mentor during this difficult time, providing him with the hope and guidance he needed to continue pursuing his career.
Kipruto’s fortunes began to turn around in 2024 when he claimed third place at the Chicago Marathon, a result that rekindled his hopes of returning to the top. He expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Chicago Marathon for giving him the chance to showcase his talent and acknowledged the extra effort he had to put in to achieve the podium finish.
Looking ahead, Kipruto is focused on the upcoming season and is eager to compete at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. He is also determined to make his mark in the World Marathon Majors and is open to any opportunities that come his way. He emphasized that he is ready to take on any challenge, whether it’s the World Championships or any major marathon event, as long as he is given the chance to race.
Kipruto’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights his determination to succeed at the highest level of marathon running. He is no stranger to representing Kenya on the global stage, having competed in the Olympic marathon at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games and the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar. Although he faced disappointment at the Olympics, where he did not finish the race, he managed to secure a bronze medal at the World Championships, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Kipruto is ready to take on the challenges of the 2025 season and continue his pursuit of excellence in the marathon. His story is one of resilience and the unwavering belief that, despite setbacks, a champion can always rise again.
