NAIROBI, March 28 -- Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has called on athletes worldwide to be careful and remain healthy to defeat the coronavirus pandemic.

The sports industry had lost billions of dollars since the coronavirus pandemic struck with hundreds of races cancelled or postponed. Kipchoge has himself seen his training go down the drain as he was scheduled to compete in London marathon on April 26 and the Tokyo Olympics, which have both been postponed.

Now, Kipchoge has retreated to his home in Eldoret, after his training camp in Kaptagat was closed down by the Kenyan government.

"We closed camp and I have been training individually, which required that I reduce my workload, and at the same time keep fit and focused on the next period of time after the virus has been contained," Kipchoge told reporters.

With no competition and prospects of making an income, Kipchoge has not given up but looks at it as another chance to redeem himself. He said that what matters to him now is his own safety and that of his family.

"Of course this is a global problem. We must fight it. But what is crucial now is the safety of my family. That is why we are keeping safe as we see how things unfold regarding the virus. It has affected everyone around the world and the only solution is to follow guidelines set by the government," added Kipchoge.

World 5,000m champion Helen Obiri said it was important for the athletes to lead in the race against spread of coronavirus.

【体坛英语资讯：Staying healthy is important at the moment, not sports, says Kipchoge】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：China, Indonesia share light at badminton worlds

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hollywood studios to resume contract talks with major actors union

★ 体坛英语资讯：Group rivals cannot meet again in final

★ 体坛英语资讯：China chalks up breathtaking victory at world table tennis

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Tom and Katie plan steamy photo shoot

★ 体坛英语资讯：Zambrotta returns to Italy with AC Milan

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic basketball hopes in jeopardy: Yao

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu starts from scratch to prepare for 2008

★ 体坛英语资讯：Coach has support in Cup wake, Domanski likely to stay

★ 娱乐英语资讯： 24 City screened for a city reborn