2024-02-12 13:25:46
He Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has died together with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in a car accident on the road that connects Eldoret with Kaptagat, according to various Kenyan media reports. His death caused shock in the world of athletics.
The fatal accident that cost the lives of Kiptum and his coach occurred around 11:00 p.m. (local time in Kenya), according to Elgeyo Marakwet police commander Peter Mulinge, who also reported that the car, a Toyota Prize, the athlete was driving.
In his short sporting career, Kiptum, from 24 years, only ran three marathons. He debuted in Valencia, in December 2022, with the fastest time in history for a rookie in the race (2h.01:53) and later, in 2023, he won first in London with 2h01:25 and On October 8, he broke the world record for the distance with 2h00:35, taking the previous record from his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge..
That record was ratified by World Athletics five days before his death, on February 6. For his youth Kiptum He was called to mark an era in athletics and was the main candidate to break two hours in the mythical distance..
The reaction of Eliud Kipchoge and the world of athletics
Kipchoge, winner of the 2023 Princess of Asturias Sports Award and considered the best marathon runner of all time, declared himself “deeply sad” about the death of his compatriot. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of marathon world record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum.”Kipchoge stated on his X social network account.
“An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort them during this difficult time,” added the famous runner.
The official account of ‘X’ that includes the ‘majors’, the considered six best marathons in the world, published this message on their networkss: “The entire Abbott World Marathon Majors family is devastated by the news of the passing of our champion and world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
The organization of the Boston Marathon, in which Kiptum achieved the world record, also sent a message of condolences: “The marathon community mourns the death of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana.”
The Valencia Marathon, where he debuted in 2022, also wanted to remember him with a brief message of condolences and a black and white photo remembering his victory. Raúl Chapado, president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, described the death of the Kenyan as “terrible news”, as did Yago Rojo, Spanish half-marathon champion.
“What a tough few days for the sport of running. I have no words for this terrible news. We will always remember you as the fastest RIP, Kiptum,” Rojo said on his social networks.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Kiptum’s death. “It wasn’t until earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. “Kelvin was an incredible athlete who leaves an incredible legacy, he will be greatly missed,” Coe said.
The farewell in Kenya
“Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Possibly one of the best athletes in the world who broke barriers to achieve a marathon record,” said Kenyan President William Rutoon his social network account X, remembering that “he was only 24 years old.”
“Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary athlete has left an extraordinary mark on the world. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. May he rest in peace,” Ruto added.
The country’s first lady, Rachel Ruto, declared herself “heartbroken” by the death of the athlete, whom she described as “a symbol of resilience, hard work and the indomitable spirit of the Kenyan people.”
In a similar tone, the country’s vice president, Rigathi Gachagua, described the death of the athlete as a “huge loss,” “an amazing star (who) raised the Kenyan flag very high, lifting and bringing glory to our nation.”
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also echoed the “devastating news.” “My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends and the entire athletic fraternity. Our nation mourns the deep loss of a true hero,” Odinga stressed in X.