Paris, France - June 17, 2024

Two-time Olympic men's marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya will be chasing history as he attempts to become the first man to win three Olympic gold medals in the iconic endurance event.

Kipchoge, who will also become the first Kenyan to make five appearances at the Olympics, talked about his goals during an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) before heading to Paris for the upcoming Games.

The 39-year-old has enjoyed a long and decorated career as a runner, and made his breakthrough way back in 2003, when he won a gold medal for Kenya in men's 5,000m event at the World Championships in Paris.

He later claimed the Olympic title twice in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and is now looking to defend his title in Paris, a place where he holds fond memories given his past success there.

"2003 was the beginning of my life in sport, and I can say I'm happy to go back there again to compete and show the world where my life begins. Luckily, I'm still there to show longevity and the love of sport," said Kipchoge.

The athlete added that he hopes to make history at this year's Games.

"Paris 2024 is really special, actually, in my career and generally in sports. First of all to be the first Kenyan to be in Olympics five times. Second is that I'll be trying to compete and win, and actually fight for the three-time gold medal, to become the first human being to win back to back to back. And it's really special," he said.

Despite his past glory in the French capital, this will be the first time Kipchoge has ran a marathon in the city. While a tough race is assured, he insists he is more than up for the occasion.

"I've gone through the course. It's really challenging. First is that it's really hot in Paris in August. The second is it's up and down, which is a huge challenge to everybody. But nevertheless, I don't complain, because all of us will be running on the same terrain, the same weather, all of us will fight it. Always say the best trained and the best prepared athlete will take the day," he said.

Above all, the marathon runner said he cherishes another opportunity for the world's best athletes to come together.

"I'm excited to see how competitive [the Games] will be in 2024 and all these games are competitive, from a short distance, to swimming, to football, to everything. It's summer and it's hot. It's really exciting to see, and above all to see people of all colors and of all religions meeting together and mingling in one place in the athletes' village," Kipchoge said.

The Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to get underway on Friday and will run through to August 11, while the Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8.

Shotlist:
FILE: Paris, France - June 17, 2024:
1. Eiffel Tower;
2. Pont Alexandre III bridge;
3. Boat sailing;
4. Sports venue under construction;
Eldoret, Kenya - Recent
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic men's marathon champion from Kenya (starting with shot 4):
"I actually want to say that it's been long, and 2003 was the beginning of my life in sport, and I can say I'm happy to go back there again to compete and show the world where my life begins. Luckily, I'm still there to show longevity and the love of sport.";
Paris, France - Recent
6. Various of Eiffel Tower, Olympics logo;
Eldoret, Kenya - Recent
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic men's marathon champion from Kenya (ending with shots 8-10):
"Paris 2024 is really special, actually, in my career and generally in sports. First of all to be the first Kenyan to be in Olympics five times. Second is that I'll be trying to compete and win, and actually fight for the three-time gold medal, to become the first human being to win back to back to back. And it's really special.";
FILE: Rift Valley Province, Kenya - September 2022
8. Aerial shot of track field;
FILE: Nairobi, Kenya - November 2019
9. Various of runners in training;
10. Coach talking to runners;
11. Runners in training;
Eldoret, Kenya - Recent
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic men's marathon champion from Kenya (partially overlaid with shots 13-14):
"I've gone through the course. It's really challenging. First is that it's really hot in Paris in August. The second is it's up and down, which is a huge challenge to everybody. But nevertheless, I don't complain, because all of us will be running on the same terrain, the same weather, all of us will fight it. Always say the best trained and the best prepared athlete will take the day.";
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Paris, France - Recent
13. Various of stadium, Olympics logo;
Paris, France - July 22, 2024
14. Various of grandstands at riverside for Olympic Games Paris 2024
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
Eldoret, Kenya - Oct 12, 2019
15. Screen showing Kipchoge's race live from Vienna, Austria, fans watching;
16. Various of screen showing race in progress, Kipchoge crossing finish line;
Eldoret, Kenya - Recent
17. SOUNDBITE (English) Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic men's marathon champion from Kenya (ending with shots 18-19):
"I'm excited to see how competitive [the Games] will be in 2024 and all these games are competitive, from short distance to swimming, to football, to everything. It's summer and it's hot. It's really exciting to see, and above all to see people of all colors and of all religions meeting together and mingling in one place in the athletes' village.";
FILE: Paris, France - June 17, 2024
18. National flag of France on top of building;
19. Various of buildings in Olympic Village;
Paris, France - July 22, 2024
20. Various of flags, Eiffel Tower.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]