WASHINGTON, US — Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has shared details of his recent meeting with former U.S. President Barack Obama, describing it as one of the most inspiring moments of his life.
In a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, November 7, 2025, Kipchoge said Obama remains his greatest source of inspiration, praising the former U.S. leader’s humility, discipline, and commitment to unity across the world.
“I believe that we all need to be inspired by the people around us—to learn from each other so we can come together as humans for a better world. For me, the person who has inspired me the most is Mr. President Barack Obama,” Kipchoge wrote.
He described their meeting as a day he will “treasure forever,” adding that their discussion revolved around leadership, legacy, and how young people can rise through sport, education, and service.
“Our conversation was one of reflection and shared purpose about leadership, legacy, and how the next generation can rise through sport, education, and service,” Kipchoge said.
He revealed that both the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation and the Obama Foundation are exploring ways to collaborate on initiatives focusing on youth empowerment, education, and the transformative power of sport.
“Together, we hope to help young people believe that no dream is too distant and no beginning too small,” he added.
Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic marathon champion and the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon, has increasingly used his platform to advocate for youth mentorship and education across Africa.
Obama, who has long championed leadership and civic participation among young people through the Obama Foundation, has previously praised Kipchoge as a global symbol of discipline and human potential.
Their meeting, which took place in the United States, marked a symbolic convergence of two figures known for their global influence—one in politics and leadership, the other in sport and inspiration.
“Asante sana,” Kipchoge concluded in his post, expressing gratitude for what he described as a “privilege and an honour” to meet one of his role models.