Eliud Kipchoge's Historic Olympic Bid Ends in Heartbreak at Paris 2024***Body:**

Kenya’s marathon icon, Eliud Kipchoge, saw his dream of securing a third consecutive Olympic gold medal shattered at the Paris 2024 Games, in a turn of events that left the global athletics community in shock. The legendary runner, who has dominated the marathon scene for years, was unable to complete the race, marking a stunning end to what many believed would be his final Olympic appearance.

Kipchoge, 39, began the marathon with high hopes, part of an elite group of 14 athletes, but his quest for a historic third gold unravelled early. As the race progressed, Kipchoge fell off the pace, and by the halfway mark, he had dropped significantly behind the leaders. With 25 kilometers to go, the double Olympic champion found himself in 63rd place, struggling to keep up.

Despite his best efforts, Kipchoge ultimately bowed out after 31 kilometers, ending his bid for Olympic immortality. His withdrawal was a poignant moment for fans and athletes alike, as the man often hailed as the 'Greatest of All Time' saw his final Olympic marathon end in disappointment.

The race was eventually won by Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, who set an Olympic record with a time of 2:06:26, securing his country's first gold medal of the Games. Belgium's Bashir Abdi claimed the silver, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took the bronze in his Olympic debut with a time of 2:07:00.

Kipchoge's departure from the race was particularly surprising given his impressive personal best of 2:01:09. Though his performance in Paris fell short, his career remains unparalleled, with 12 major marathon victories from 2014 to 2023 and numerous accolades. Despite the heartbreak in Paris, Kipchoge’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history is firmly secure.