Last year, Kelvin Kiptum made headlines by shattering the men’s world record, triumphing at the Chicago Marathon with a remarkable time of two hours and 35 seconds. His record, officially ratified by the international track federation World Athletics just last week, solidified his status as a global athletics icon.
The 24-year-old sensation further solidified his dominance by clinching victory at the London Marathon. However, the promising career of Kiptum, along with the life of his esteemed coach, met a tragic end in a fatal car crash.
The incident occurred on a road between two towns in western Kenya, an area renowned as a high-altitude training base for long-distance runners. Kenyan runner Milcah Chemos, who visited the hospital where the bodies were taken, confirmed the devastating news.
Tributes poured in from all corners, with Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga expressing profound sorrow over the loss of Kiptum and his coach. The athletics fraternity mourned the loss of a true hero, whose remarkable achievements had brought pride to the nation.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, conveyed shock and deep sadness over the tragedy. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, teammates, and the entire Kenyan nation, emphasizing Kiptum’s incredible legacy.
Just days before the accident, Coe had officially ratified Kiptum’s historic marathon World Record in Chicago. The news of his passing left a void in the athletics world, with Coe and others mourning the loss of an extraordinary athlete and the legacy he leaves behind.