Kenya’s once-dominant position in the 3,000m steeplechase has been undermined by a lack of discipline and moral values among athletes, according to marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge – the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

Speaking during an interview on a national TV, Kipchoge (the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon) pointed out that while the country has plenty of talent, “the athletes’ lack of focus” and discipline” is hindering their ability to win international titles.

“I think we have no problems with steeplechase, according to me,” noted Kipchoge, adding, “The real problem is morals and values that people in steeplechase don’t have. It’s good to be saying the truth – we have young people who can run steeplechase and win medals. But they are not serious in their training, and they lack the discipline to succeed.”

But where did the rain start beating us?

Kenya’s steeplechase dominance began to fade in 2021 when Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali ended the country’s 37-year gold streak at the Tokyo Olympics. This decline continued at the Paris Olympics, where Kenya failed to secure any medals in the event.

The nation had previously counted on athletes like Conseslus Kipruto, a former Olympic champion, to carry the torch following the retirement of steeplechase legend Ezekiel Kemboi.

However, Kipruto, who barely held off El Bakkali at the Rio Olympics, has struggled to maintain the same level of performance in recent years.

Kipchoge, fresh from participating in a 10km race in Bangkok, Thailand, where he ran alongside Queen Suthida Tidjai, emphasised that the young generation of Kenyan steeplechase runners is increasingly undisciplined.

He cited alcohol consumption as a significant issue that is detracting from athletes’ focus on training and performance.

“I heard Athletics Kenya (AK) telling athletes ‘We need to come back and win our medals’, but they are not telling the boys the truth – that what they are doing is wrong. They are drinking and lacking the necessary moral foundation,” Kipchoge mentioned.

“We need to have honest conversations with these athletes. The truth needs to be told.”
Kipchoge’s criticism extended beyond the athletes themselves to the Kenyan government and AK. He expressed disappointment that both organisations have failed to deeply analyse the issues affecting Kenyan steeplechase.

Instead, they continue to focus on short-term results and medals, leaving the root causes unaddressed.

“The government and the federation are not doing enough to understand the challenges facing steeplechase. They are only interested in medals,” he added.