Parents of former World U20 Champion Bett Kipyegon open up on his financial struggles before demise
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 08.10.24. | 16:21
Reflecting on her son’s life, Bett’s mother, Sarah Chepkoech, shared that he was frequently distressed about his financial struggles.
The family of former World Under-20 800m champion, Kipyegon Bett has opened up on the harrowing financial and emotional struggles the athlete faced before his untimely death.
Bett who in 2017 won bronze in the same distance at the World Championships in London passed away on Sunday 6 October at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County where he had been receiving treatment.
The 26-year-old, who also won silver in 4x800m at the 2017 World Athletics Relay Championships, was banned for four years in 2018 for using performance-enhancing Erythropoietin.
He made a return to competition in 2022 competing in 400m hurdles at the Third AK Track and Field Meeting, finishing third. Bett has not competed since then. The ban marked the beginning of a downward spiral that would ultimately claim his life.
He found it difficult to handle the ensuing scrutiny and shame, leading him into a struggle with depression. His financial situation deteriorated after his bank accounts were frozen, further compounding his woes.
Reflecting on her son’s life, Bett’s mother, Sarah Chepkoech, shared that he was frequently distressed about his financial struggles.
“When alone, Kipyegon used to cry a lot over the frozen bank accounts and kept wondering aloud why he could not be allowed access to the money he earned through sheer sweat,” Chepkoech told Nation Sports.
Desperate for funds, the once-celebrated athlete resorted to begging for small amounts to feed his alcoholism. This habit, fueled by hopelessness, consumed him and took a severe toll on his health.
Although no autopsy has been conducted, his relatives believe that his heavy drinking played a significant role in his demise.
“He got to a point where he would solicit for as little as Ksh10 and Ksh20 to buy alcohol. It was very painful for us to see him go downhill, eventually falling sick and dying in his hospital bed. It is the most painful thing to happen to a parent,” Chepkoech said tearfully.
On his part, Bett’s father Isaiah Kirui Rono, recounted that before the ban, Kipyegon had Ksh15.6 million saved up. He was however unable to access it due to the account freeze, even after his suspension ended.
“He told us shortly before he was banned from athletics and the accounts frozen that he had Ksh15.6 million in the bank,” Rono offered.
He issued a paternal plea to Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports to offer emotional support to athletes suspended for doping.
“I appeal to Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports not to condemn athletes who have been suspended over cases of doping. These cases should thoroughly be investigated and athletes, most of whom are likely to be innocent, should be supported to cope with the suspension,” he cried out.
Rono emphasized that Kipyegon was financially responsible and had big dreams for his family. He revealed that the young athlete had used his first earnings to invest in a piece of land, intending to improve his family’s standard of living.
“Kipyegon was not a wasteful man and when he received his first payment of Ksh3 million in 2017, he invested it in a parcel of land. We are from a very humble background and he was focused on improving the family status,” he averred.
Kipyegon first fell ill a year ago, but his condition took a turn for the worse in September. He was initially treated at a local clinic, which then referred him to AIC Litein Hospital in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho, for further care. At AIC Litein, he received outpatient treatment.
On Saturday 28 September, he was advised to return for a follow-up check-up scheduled for Monday 7 October. Tragically, he never made it to the appointment, as his health rapidly deteriorated, and he passed away a day earlier, on Sunday, following a severe deterioration.
Before he died, Bett vomited blood but could communicate with doctors and family members. His organs failed at around 12:40 pm, according to the family.
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