Patrick Sang: How Eliud Kipchoge's mindset has changed over the past 20 years

Patrick Sang: How Eliud Kipchoge's mindset has changed over the past 20 years

Abigael Wafula 14:06 - 19.07.2024

Patrick Sang has explained how Eliud Kipchoge's mindset has evolved over the past 23 years.

Coach Patrick Sang has explained how Eliud Kipchoge’s mindset has changed over the years he has worked with the former world marathon record holder.

Sang has worked with Kipchoge since 2001 and the veteran coach has observed the four-time London Marathon champion as he went through different phases of his life.

During an interview with Athletics Weekly, Sang noted that Kipchoge has been the easiest athlete to train and he usually has targets on what he wants to achieve.

During his days as a young athlete, Kipchoge certainly wanted to represent his country but now as he is getting older, the five-time Berlin Marathon champion wants to wants to exit the sport as a history maker.

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“In the case of Eliud, he is the easiest person to train. Eliud knows why he is training, he knows this is the time for this, this is the time for that. He knows why he is doing it,” Sang said.

“He used to do it for different reasons but I think those reasons have expanded. When you are young you want to run and represent your country. I don’t know any athlete that wants to be an athlete that does not dream one day of representing their country,” Sang added.

He added that Kipchoge has grown in the sport, and beside flying the Kenyan flag high, he also wants to make money from the sport.

Kipchoge has worked with some of the leading brands including Chinese mobile phone manufacturer, Techno and Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, Isuzu. He has also been at the forefront of Nike’s campaigns.

“When you move from that level and come to the world of commercials – the business world – you realise besides this vest, the national colours, there are opportunities, incentives out there. From there you go to another level, you see the sport, you can influence people,” Sang said.

“You see the way he is changing as he is becoming older. He is thinking about legacy. Without those incentives, then we will just stop our careers.”