This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
On October 12, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by becoming the first human to run a marathon in under two hours. This incredible feat has left many in awe, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that athletes like Kipchoge make in pursuit of greatness.
As Muhammad Ali once said, 'When preparing for a fight, I would only start to count when the pain began to bite.' This mindset is not unique to Ali; many great achievers, including Michael Jordan and Usain Bolt, have spoken about the intense physical and mental preparation required to reach the top of their respective fields.
But what sets Kipchoge apart is not just his incredible talent, but also his humility and compassion. As he said, 'No human is limited,' and he has dedicated his life to inspiring others to reach their full potential.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Kenya's leadership class shares Kipchoge's values. On the same weekend that he made history, some Kenyan politicians were seen trying to associate themselves with his triumph, no doubt in an attempt to launder their dirty moral selves.
It was a jarring sight to see the juxtaposition of diametrically opposed modes of behavior and sets of values. While Kipchoge is humble and disciplined, the politicians are pompous and ostentatious. While he encourages the best from all of us, they incite the worst in us.
But Kipchoge is not alone in his commitment to making a positive impact. There are many others in Kenya who are working tirelessly to lift their communities up, including Brigid Kosgei, who broke the world record in the Chicago marathon, and Peter Tabichi, who won the 2019 Global Teacher Prize for his dedication to helping struggling students.
These individuals, along with many others, serve as a reminder that there is still much good in Kenya, and that with the right leadership, our country can thrive.
Tee Ngugi is a Nairobi-based political commentator.
