In recent times, the attention surrounding athletic performances has shifted significantly. Instead of celebrating and focusing on the achievements of elite athletes, much of the discussion revolves around the shoes they wear. This is evident in the aftermath of Tigist Assefa’s record-breaking performance in the Berlin Marathon and Kelvin Kiptum’s near two-hour marathon in Chicago. While the significance of footwear cannot be denied, it is disheartening that the conversation has shifted away from the athletes themselves.
Kelvin Kiptum, who recently set a new men’s world best time in Chicago, has been receiving attention for his potential to break the two-hour barrier in an official race. This belief was fueled by his victory in the London Marathon earlier this year and his impressive debut time in Valencia. However, there has been speculation regarding his true age, conflicting reports about his training, and whether or not he has a coach. Despite these uncertainties, the current focus should be on his performances and achievements in the present moment.
In the past, athletic performances were celebrated and inspiring, motivating others to strive for greatness. The world-class marathon times achieved by Ron Hill, Steve Jones, and Carlos Lopes come to mind. Jones, for example, ran a time of 2:08:05 in the 1984 Chicago Marathon but lost his world best title to Lopes shortly after. Despite his disappointment, Jones went on to win the London Marathon the next day and narrowly missed matching Lopes’ record later that year. These athletes were admired for their remarkable times and inspired others to push themselves.
The history of marathon running also includes instances where there were debates about world records. Ron Hill, a European and Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, was believed to hold the world best time after winning his gold medal in 1970. However, there were doubts about Derek Clayton’s previous record, as there were concerns about the accuracy of the course measurement. Unlike today, the discussions did not revolve around footwear and its impact on performance.
Looking ahead, the coming years will be intriguing for East African athletes like Kiptum who dominate marathon running. We eagerly await the first official sub-two-hour marathon and anticipate further advancements in women’s records. Nevertheless, there is a concern that it will be the shoe brands that ultimately take credit for these achievements. While hoping for a different outcome, it seems unlikely. Meanwhile, the author shares a collection of old pictures on social media that showcase the history of athletics events and races in Norfolk, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating sporting heritage.
