Eliud Kipchoge to help Manchester United boost their performance

In a unique cross-sport venture, Kenyan distance runners, including marathoning great Eliud Kipchoge, may be brought in to share wisdom with the players of Premier League soccer team Manchester United, the Daily Mail reports. Kipchoge and Manchester United are both backed by INEOS (a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products) founded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who hopes to tap into the creative and disciplined methods that have propelled the Kenyans to success.

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Tapping into Kipchoge’s brilliance

At the forefront of this running renaissance is the legendary Kipchoge, the former marathon world record holder and an icon in the running community. Kipchoge’s close relationship with Ratcliffe, manifested through INEOS’s backing of his historic INEOS 1:59 challenge, forms the foundation of this collaboration.

Renowned for his philosophical insights and mental resilience, Kipchoge’s potential involvement in mentoring Manchester United players adds a unique layer to the initiative. The INEOS 1:59 Challenge, although not record-eligible, showcased the profound connection between marathon achievements and unwavering mental fortitude, offering a glimpse into the wisdom Kipchoge could impart.

Eliud Kipchoge receives the 159 challenge trophy from Sir Jim Ratcliffe of INEOS pic.twitter.com/U4kHeTlb3S

— Evelyn Watta (@evelynwatta) October 12, 2019

All-Blacks rugby team to contribute

Elevating this collaboration further is the inclusion of New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby stars, known for their dominance on the rugby field and unshakeable mental resolve. Their expertise in cultivating mental resilience could be a game-changer for Manchester United’s players, ushering in a new era of athletic brilliance.

Marathon runners from the INOES-backed NN group have also given talks to All Blacks players on mentality and endurance. The prospect of both heading to the club’s base to share ideas is likely.

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Marginal gains philosophy

At the heart of this running revolution lies the philosophy of “marginal gains,” a concept championed by Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s right-hand man. Drawing on his success with Team Sky and British Cycling, Brailsford’s approach advocates for small, incremental improvements across various facets to achieve significant overall gains. In the context of running, this philosophy could be the key to unlocking untapped potential in Manchester United’s athletes.

The partnership might mirror what supported Kipchoge‘s historic sub-two-hour-run, as he borrowed greatly from INEOS’S other ventures in sailing and motorsports, delving into their methods to improve his performance. This innovative approach, weaving together the realms of elite running, marathon wisdom and rugby resilience, could redefine the boundaries of athletic excellence.