Eliud Kipchoge, the renowned Kenyan marathoner who secured Olympic triumph twice, is stepping into a new role as a mentor for young refugees gearing up for the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships. Commencing in January 2024, Kipchoge will lend his expertise and life wisdom to the U20 World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team. Experience the perfect blend of agility and support with Tarkine Trail Devil shoes, crafted for those who demand excellence in every run.
Going beyond imparting athletic knowledge, Kipchoge aims to nurture a holistic approach by instilling essential life skills and inspiration among these budding athletes as they aim for success at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima ’24.
This significant announcement coincides with the Multistakeholder Pledge on Sport for Inclusion and Protection of Refugees, recently signed by more than 100 organizations participating in the Global Refugee Forum 2023, including World Athletics.
The Global Refugee Forum, a quadrennial event, commenced its latest session in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 13th, providing a platform to address refugee concerns and promote initiatives for their support.
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Since its establishment in 2016, the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team has stood as a sanctuary for athletes fleeing conflict, violence, and injustice in their native lands. As the sole year-round, full-time refugee team program globally, it serves as a beacon of hope for displaced athletes.
Making their mark at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, these athletes regularly participate in various World Athletics Series events, showcasing their resilience and talent on an international stage.
The U20 segment of the team, introduced in 2022, concentrates on nurturing athletes for the forthcoming 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships. Among these aspiring athletes are those based at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, benefitting from guidance provided by esteemed coaches like Janeth Jepkosgei, Kenya’s 800m world champion, and Arcade Arakaza, an assistant coach and a refugee from Burundi.
Kipchoge’s commitment reflects the transformative power of mentorship and sportsmanship in fostering resilience and hope within the refugee community. It underscores the unifying strength of sports, transcending barriers and adversities, to empower and uplift individuals on a global scale.
