NAIROBI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has been nominated to run for the Athlete's Representative position at the forthcoming Kenya Olympic Committee elections.

This was confirmed by Athletics Kenya (AK) on Monday in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, a week after reports on local media surfaced that the former marathon record holder will be running for the post.

Kipchoge preparing to run in this year's London Marathon on April 27 and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) elections will be held three days earlier (April 24) at its Annual General Meeting in Nairobi.

"I want to include every athlete in every federation for his or her own voice or to be heard in matters of education, in matters empowerment, in matters of holistic living. I think this is the right time, because I have been in sport for more than 20 years, and I need to give back to sport," Kipchoge remarked after his nomination was confirmed.

In a statement, AK said Kipchoge has built a stellar athletics career, spanning over two decades.

He has been to five Olympic Games, the most of any Kenyan in history, winning four medals - two of them marathon gold from the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Summer Games.

Beyond the Olympics the local federation added, Kipchoge has been a great ambassador of Kenyan athletics, flying the country's flag high on the track, cross-country and road races around the world and achieving numerous accolades over the years.

His dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship have made him a role model for aspiring athletes not just in Kenya but globally.

"Eliud Kipchoge is not just an incredible athlete, he is a beacon of athletics in our country and that is why we were honored to nominate him for the position," AK president Jack Tuwei further noted.

"His achievements, from his early success in track to becoming the only person to run a marathon in under two hours, are a testament to his discipline and unwavering commitment," the federation boss added.

While reflecting on his journey, Kipchoge also underlined the crucial role federations' play in providing a platform for athletes to succeed.

"I come from athletics, Kenya and Athletics Kenya has been the best system to expose my career and to expose the careers of other people. I want to tell all other federations to emulate what Athletics Kenya has been doing in exposing athlete careers," the Beijing 2008 Olympics silver winner in the 5,000m underscored.

Kipchoge is seeking to succeed retired Kenya rugby sevens star Humphrey Kayange who will be vying for Deputy Secretary General seat.

The NOCK elections will see a change of guard at the top with incumbent president and retired distance running great, Paul Tergat bowing out after serving his constitutionally mandated two four-year terms.

The new NOCK office will take over running of the body on May 8. Enditem

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