ELIUD KIPCHOGE of Kenya smiled as he crossed the finish line and later directed cheering fans from the podium. The one color of Olympic medal he lacked in his illustrious career finally is his.

    Kipchoge grabbed the lead in the marathon Sunday around the 21-mile (35 kilometers) mark and finished off his first Olympic victory in this event in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 44 seconds.

    “I’ve won my Olympic gold medal,” Kipchoge said. “It was the Olympic gold medal that’s not (around) my neck.”

    Kipchoge’s golden moment came was overshadowed by the silver medalist, Feyisa Lilesa, taking his opportunity to support protests back in his native Ethiopia. He crossed his wrists at the finish line, during the gift ceremony and again during the news conference in the symbol for the anti-government protests in Ethiopia

    The nation has been marred by violence in recent weeks as government security forces have killed dozens of people amid protests over the nation’s decision to take over lands in the Oromia region. Protesters are calling for more freedom and an end of government brutality.

    Having relatives in prison meant Lilesa could not stay quiet on the Olympic stage, no matter the consequences.

    “If I go back to Ethiopia, maybe they will kill me,” Lilesa said. “If not kill me, they will put me in prison. I have not decided yet, but maybe I will move to another country.”

    American Galen Rupp, running only his second marathon, added bronze to the silver he won in the 10,000 meters in London. Meb Keflezighi of the U.S. did some push-ups at the finish line after slipping, having a little fun to celebrate his final Olympic marathon. He finished 33rd.

    “It wasn’t like over excessive celebration,” Keflezighi said. “There’s nothing to celebrate about. I’m happy to finish my fourth Olympic Games here.”

    (SD-Agencies)