Kipchoge: We can’t progress forward unless we embrace technology.

Eliud Kipchoge, the current world record holder and Olympic winner in the marathon, believes that technology will become “center stage” as athletes attempt to improve and run quicker times in the future.

The Kenyan, who won gold in the marathon in Tokyo earlier this month in humid conditions, was one of a slew of athletes who wore specially constructed Nike shoes with carbon-fibre plates for more spring and faster times, reigniting the issue about “technical doping.”

“We will not progress unless we embrace technology… I understand that laws will be in place, but technology should take precedence “Reuters spoke with Kipchoge.

“Allow all athletes to benefit from cutting-edge technology and innovation. That’s the only way to think about it and genuinely strive to improve.”

Others, such as Karsten Warholm, who won the Olympic 400-meter hurdles title in a world-record time, have criticized the fast-paced advancement of shoe technology.

“Everyone will now question if it’s the shoe when someone delivers a terrific performance, and that is the credibility problem,” the Norwegian told Reuters earlier this month.

Kipchoge’s shoes helped him become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019, a stunning achievement that is now the focus of a new documentary called “Kipchoge: The Last Milestone.”

The video follows Kipchoge as he collaborated with scientists and a group of fellow elite runners to set an unofficial world record time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds in Vienna two years ago, an accomplishment that many thought was unattainable.

The 36-year-old claimed his message of “no person is limited” is meant to inspire individuals from all walks of life.

“This is a significant message that does not only apply to athletes. It’s all around us, and it affects every profession… my lasting legacy will be entirely inspirational, because that’s what I want to instill in every human being on the planet.”

Kipchoge went on to say that retiring was not on his thoughts since he was inspired to keep competing by competitors who were still competing in their 30s and even 40s.

“Many people motivate me, including footballers like (Cristiano) Ronaldo, who is still doing well (at 36), (Lewis) Hamilton, who is still extremely sharp in Formula One, and Valentino Rossi, who is driving in the MotoGP at 42,” Kipchoge added.

“For the time being, I must relax, resume training in September, and decide my next steps… For the time being, I’m enjoying what’s going on in Tokyo. As a result, I’m blending relaxation with appreciating the medal. Overall, though, there is still hope for the future.”