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“Things Have Changed a Lot”: 19 Years After Retirement, Former Track and Field Record Holder Wilson Kipketer Reflects Back On His Career

Published 03/28/2024, 3:00 PM EDT

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Former world record holder and three-time world champion, Wilson Kipketer stepped into the time machine of athletic greatness. In a recent interview, 51-year-old Kipketer went down memory lane and took us on a reflective journey through his illustrious career. 

Kipketer’s legacy and records still shine bright in the pages of track and field about two decades after his retirement. Although Kipketer failed to compete in the 1996 Olympics while he stood at the zenith of his career, he left an indelible mark on the sport with one silver and a bronze medal in 2000 and 2004, respectively. In a conversation with Citius Mag, the legend dove headfirst into the golden era of his prime while he dominated the tracks.

From medals to memories: Wilson Kipketer’s journey through time decoded

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Reminiscing the moments of the glorious days, Kipketer painted a vivid picture of the adrenaline-fueled moments on the track and the camaraderie he shared with his fellow athletes. While asked about his prime years on the track, Kipketer said, Things have changed a lot”. Reflecting on the evolution of the sport with time, he mentioned how things have changed significantly, but also acknowledged that he is fond of looking back in time. He stated that it was the ‘prime time’ as the excitement and achievements of his generation were unparalleled.

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Reflecting on the magnitude of his stardom, he recalled an encounter with an eager police escort who was super-excited to meet him. Reminiscing such incidents often helps Kipketer to bridge the gap between the past and the present days. I think so this things that’s bringing the history of the old generation to reaching to the Young Generation and I think that’s the real good connection of not leaving anyone behind”, added the 51-year-old track and field legend.

Wilson Kipketer’s impactful role beyond the finish line 

Wilson Kipketer further proceeded to throw light on his current involvement with the sport brand, Puma. He was a part of the brand as an athlete once and now contributes to Puma in a different capacity. Highlighting the importance of maintaining cordial bonds with the sports community, he cited the example of how he has nurtured a long partnership with the Jamaican Federation for 24 long years. “That’s the thing which is been like building it from layers to layers to layers to be where we are so this the fluid now we try to enjoy”, said Kipteker.

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Narrating his experience and anecdotes going beyond the finish line, Kipteker truly embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience and, through his valuable opinions and experience, inspired the future athletes to embrace their journey.

Continue to Read: USA’s Nico Young Dismisses Tough NCAA Competition Before The Warm Up To The Olympic Qualifiers

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Written by:

Disita Sikdar

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One take at a time

Disita is a writer at EssentiallySports, capturing viral moments in the sporting world. Her coverage includes prominent figures like Mathieu Van der Poel and Jonas Vingegaard in cycling. She also aces at live coverages of MotoGP events.
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Edited by:

Himanshu Sridhar