This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
On October 12, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by running 42 kilometers in under two hours, a feat that has sparked widespread celebration and debate. However, as Makau Mutua notes, this achievement should not be taken as evidence that no human is limited.
Mutua argues that Kipchoge's record-breaking run was not achieved under real competition conditions, but rather with the help of 'sycophants' who escorted him to help him break the two-hour barrier. This, Mutua claims, makes Kipchoge's 'record' fake, and that the first true under-two-hour marathon has yet to be run.
Mutua emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our limitations, rather than pretending that we are not limited. He notes that we all have natural abilities and disabilities, and that it is foolish to think that we can achieve anything we set our minds to without acknowledging these limitations.
Mutua's argument is not meant to be a downer, but rather a call to be realistic and thoughtful in our aspirations. He notes that hope is essential, but that we should hope thoughtfully, not thoughtlessly. By acknowledging our limitations, we can work towards achieving our goals in a more realistic and sustainable way.
