M. KisengePresident William Ruto leads world in mourning marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 12.02.24. | 09:31
Kiptum passed on last night in a road accident in the Kaptagat area alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana according to police reports
The world is yet to come to terms with the demise of marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum passed on last night in a road accident in the Kaptagat area alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana according to police reports that have been widely reported by local and international media.
The 24-year-old was driving from Kaptagat to Eldoret around 11 pm on Sunday when the car, with two passengers on board, veered off the road, hit a tree before landing in a ditch.
Police reports indicate that both Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot with the third occupant escaping with injuries.
Soon after the terrible news were confirmed, tributes from all corners of the world began pouring in.
Sportsmen, various federations, politicians, organisers of various marathons, and people from all walks of life have been pouring their messages of condolences to Kiptum’s family, friends and the athletics fraternity.
Leading at the front in eulogizing Kiptum is President William Ruto who described the reigning Chicago Marathon champion who hailed him for the success he realized in his athletics career.
“Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record. He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched,” wrote the Head of State on his X account.
One thing that was crystal clear was Kiptum’s future was bright and the prospects of lowering his record and soaring to incredible highs in his career were high something that President Ruto
“Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest in Peace,” added the President.
His Deputy Rigathi Gachagua said it was disheartening to lose the athlete who had achieved so much within a short time.
Kiptum had raced in three marathons until his demise, winning all, with his last in Chicago turning out to be the record. He set the record last year after clocking 2:00:35.
“It is deeply disheartening to learn of the untimely passing on of World Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a tragic road accident last night on Kaptagat-Eldoret Road. Young Kiptum- an astounding star- flew the Kenyan flag extremely high, scooping and bringing glory to our Nation, confirming to the world that, indeed, we are the source of champions in Athletics,” he wrote on his X account.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) in a post on the X account said,
"The President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya Paul Tergat and the entire NOC-K family extend heartfelt condolences to the athletic community on the tragic loss of Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum and Coach Gervais Hazikimana"
Athletics Kenya also paid tribute to the 2022 Valencia Marathon champion who had been selected to represent Kenya in the Paris Olympics later in the year.
"Athletics Kenya is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of the World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana"
The governing body World Athletics wasn’t left behind, paying homage to Kiptum whose record was ratified last week
“World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a road traffic accident on Sunday at the age of 24"
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe took to his social media accounts to mourn the death of the 2023 London Marathon champion.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the Kenyan nation,” wrote the former athlete on his X account.
Kiptum was poised to race in the Rotterdam Marathon on April 13.
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