The biggest ‘break’ in the history of the men’s Olympic marathon is an Ethiopian victory

Many expected the “dream team” of Kenya, both men and women, but in the race last Saturday the Kenyans did not do well. This year’s European Spring London champion Alexander Munyao finished 21st.

For Kipchoge, the greatest marathon runner in history, the result in Paris raises doubts about his future. He is already 39 years old and was coming off a frustrating 10th place in the Tokyo Marathon. Last year, he was only sixth in Boston, although he won in Berlin.

In Paris, with a big party in the streets, from the start of the race 42.125km, the Kenyan gave up at kilometer 31. He was even running with the pack in the first 20 kilometers, falling behind, a ‘let his rivals pass. At the 30th kilometer, he was 71st, but he was waiting for everyone to pass him before he gave up.

Daniel Nascimento, the only Brazilian who qualified to run the marathon in Paris, did not participate in the race. He was caught twice for doping, in tests conducted by the Brazilian Doping Control Authority (ABCD) and by the World Athletics doping control body. In addition, his wife, Grazi Zarri, was found guilty of doping in Kenya, in a test conducted by the local body.