The world record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has insisted on technology taking centre stage as athletes strive for improvement and chase faster times in the future.
Kipchoge, who ran in specially designed Nike shoes fitted with carbon-fibre plates for more spring and quicker times, overcame humid weather conditions in Tokyo that saw him win gold in the marathon.
"If we don't embrace technology, then we are not moving... I know regulations will be there, but technology should take centre stage," Kipchoge told Reuters.
"Let all athletes have top technology and innovation. That's the only way to think and actually try to improve your performance," he added.
Kipchoge also talked about his future, highlighting that retirement was not on his mind as he was motivated to keep chasing titles by athletes who were still competitive well into their 30s and even 40s.
“I am being inspired by many people, the footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo is doing well (at 36), Lewis Hamilton is still very sharp as far as Formula One is concerned, Valentino Rossi is driving in the MotoGP at 42,” said Kipchoge.
“For now I have to rest, pick up training in September and plan what next, I am enjoying what happened in Tokyo for now. So I’m mixing rest and enjoying the medal. But all in all, there are still good things in the future,” he concluded.
The Olympic record holder has a new documentary titled ‘Kipchoge: The Last Mile’.
The film chronicles how Kipchoge worked with scientists and a group of fellow elite runners to run in an unofficial world record time of one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds in Vienna two years ago, an achievement many thought impossible.
The 36-year-old said that his message of "no human is limited" extends beyond sport as he looks to inspire people from all walks of life.