Benson Kipruto, the Kenyan marathoner who earned a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games, has reflected on how his life has transformed since his historic achievement. For Kipruto, the Paris Olympics marked his first time representing Kenya on the international stage, and the experience has had a profound impact on both his athletic career and personal life.
The Olympic Games were a significant milestone for Kipruto, who fought fiercely to secure his place on the podium. Despite the challenges of the grueling course, which saw Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia claim the gold and Bashir Abdi of Belgium take silver, Kipruto’s determination paid off. His bronze medal was a testament to his resilience and skill, making it a defining moment in his career.
The success in Paris has brought Kipruto not only recognition but also financial rewards. The marathoner has admitted that the money he earned from his Olympic success has been a game-changer. With his newfound wealth, he has been able to invest in building a home in his village, a project that is now nearing completion. For Kipruto, this achievement is a significant personal milestone, especially given his humble beginnings.
Raised by his mother after his father passed away when he was young, Kipruto’s early life was marked by hardship. He did not have the privilege of a consistent education and instead worked on a farm to support his family. Despite these challenges, Kipruto found inspiration in his older brother, Dickson Chumba, who was also a marathoner. It was Chumba’s success that motivated Kipruto to pursue a career in athletics. From that moment on, he never looked back, and his dedication to the sport has led him to achieve remarkable success.
Kipruto’s journey to international recognition has not been easy. Before his Olympic medal, he had already made a name for himself in the marathon circuit, having won the 2021 Boston Marathon and the 2020 Chicago Marathon. His personal best time of 2:02:16 in the Tokyo Marathon is a testament to his exceptional talent. However, it was his performance in Paris that truly catapulted him to global fame. The Olympic Games gave him the rare opportunity to represent Kenya on the world’s biggest stage, a dream he had held for years. The achievement of winning a medal in his first Olympic appearance was a moment Kipruto will never forget.
However, the transition to fame and success has not come without its challenges. After the intense physical and mental demands of the Paris Olympics, Kipruto decided to take a break from training. Although he had initially planned to compete in the Chicago Marathon, he chose to withdraw to allow his body time to recover. The Paris Olympic marathon had taken a toll on him, and he recognized the importance of rest to maintain his long-term health and performance.
Reflecting on his decision to take a break, Kipruto explained, “After Paris, there was a massive celebration. It was my first time representing my country, and winning a bronze medal was a huge achievement for me. I had never represented my country in any international event before, nowhere, never. It was my first time representing Kenya on such a stage, and it felt incredible.” He added that the physical and emotional exhaustion from the Games led him to step back and focus on his recovery. “I needed time to recover. I’ve now started preparing for my next marathon,” he said.
Kipruto’s commitment to his craft is evident as he prepares for his next race. He has been drawing inspiration from Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary Kenyan marathoner, who has always emphasized the importance of discipline and focus. Kipruto has taken these words to heart as he works to maintain his discipline and continue to perform at the highest level.
As he looks ahead to the future, Kipruto is determined to build on his success. His Olympic bronze medal has not only elevated his career but also changed his life in ways he never imagined. From the construction of his home to the invitations to race on the world stage, Kipruto’s achievements have opened new doors for him. Despite the challenges he faced growing up, he has proven that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, dreams can indeed come true.
Benson Kipruto’s story is one of triumph over adversity, and his journey continues to inspire many aspiring athletes around the world. With his eyes set on future marathons, Kipruto is ready to face the next chapter of his career, knowing that his best is yet to come.
