All-conquering Kipchoge a class apart

Kenya's distance-running stars proved indomitable this year, with Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge their leading light.

The 34-year-old was earlier this month named IAAF Athlete of the Year for his stunning performance in breaking the world marathon record in Berlin in September, clocking 2:01:39 to shave 78 seconds off compatriot Dennis Kimetto's previous mark. It was the single biggest improvement in the men's mark since 1967.

He also won the London Marathon in April in 2:04:17 to finish comfortably ahead of one of the strongest 42-km fields in history.

There are plenty of reasons for Kipchoge to raise and glass and celebrate as he rings in the new year, but that's pretty low down the hardworking and humble family man's list of priorities.

"My inspiration is about doing something great for athletics. I don't celebrate because I know the victory was for Kenya and for my fans," said Kipchoge, who has tasted defeat on the road just once in six years.

"I have no plans yet for 2019, but my management and coach will make a decision on where I will compete next."

Kipchoge fended off competition for the IAAF honor from decathlon world-record holder Kevin Mayer of France, Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, Qatari hurdler Abderrahman Samba and American sprinter Christian Coleman.

However, Kipchoge's marathon victories in hot conditions in London and Berlin, where he broke the world record, swayed the judges.

Accepting his award in Monaco on Dec 4, Kipchoge said: "This means a lot to me. I want to pass my gratitude to my family, my wife and my children - they are my ignition key every morning when I am waking up for training.

"Secondly, I want to say thank you to my coach, Patrick Sang, and to my management, Global Sports Communication, as they have exposed my career and I am able now to show to all that if you believe in yourself and work hard, you can achieve more."

Kenya's Beatrice Chepkoech was nominated in the women's category after setting a new 3,000m steeplechase world record of 8:44.32 to become the first woman to break 8:50 barrier.

However, Colombian Caterine Ibarguen, who was unbeaten in eight triple jump finals, took the award, also beating British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, sprinter Shaunae Miller-Uibo from the Bahamas and Belgian heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam.

African domination in distance running this year was underlined by the fact that nine of its athletes were winners on the prestigious IAAF Diamond League circuit.

Kenya accounted for five of those wins, which come with a $50,000 check and an automatic ticket to the next year's world championships in Doha, Qatar.

Xinhua