In the wake of increasing cases of depression among athletes as well as the rising cases of doping, double Olympic champion and former Marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge has urged upcoming sportsmen to focus more on building their careers, than focusing on the money.
Last month, former world under-20 champion Kipyegon Bett passed away with close family saying he had fallen into alcoholism as a result of depression, while former All Africa Games steeplechase champion Clement Kemboi committed suicide in his house in Iten.
Speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net, Kipchoge says he is concerned with these rising cases and hopes that this can change soon, by sensitizing and speaking to athletes.
I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes. There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitize them that life is not all about money. You need to have your own values as a person and that is what should drive you
The former Olympic champion says he will play a leading role in speaking to young athletes to ensure they get counsel on building their careers and staying wide of vices that might lead them to depression.
I will still continue talking to them, and if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.
The experienced marathoner believes that the allure of quick money is the leading cause for depression and in the long run doping, but is optimistic that with talks and advice, the trajectory can change.
