World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum dead at 24
The world of athletics is in mourning after the sudden news of Kelvin Kiptum death, the 24-year-old Kenyan who held the men’s marathon world record. A rising star and potential Olympic champion, Kiptum, was killed in a car crash on Sunday night while driving in his home country.
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Gervais Hakizimana, also perished in the accident. He was Kiptum’s coach. A third passenger in the car required emergency medical assistance after suffering severe injuries.
Kiptum’s demise is a devastating blow to the sport. In just his third marathon, he startled the world by breaking the world record in Chicago last October, clocking in at a staggering 2:00:35. This achievement, taking 34 seconds off Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record, marked him as a serious contender for the coveted Olympic gold in Paris later this year.
The Legacy of Kelvin Kiptum
He wasn’t just fast; he was exciting. His tactical approach, attacking the final kilometres with audacious solo runs, had fascinated the running community. In his short career, Kiptum had already garnered comparisons to greats like Eliud Kipchoge, who offered heartfelt condolences, calling him “a rising star” with “a whole life” ahead.
Kiptum’s death hits particularly hard because of the potential that was so cruelly cut short. He had recently declared his intention to attempt breaking the two-hour marathon barrier in Rotterdam this April, a feat that seemed well within his grasp.
His coach, Hakizimana, was not just his mentor but also a childhood friend, making the tragedy all the more poignant.
From all throughout the sporting world, tributes have been pouring in. President Ruto of Kenya mourned the loss of an “extraordinary sportsman,” while Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, hailed him as “an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy.”
The athletic Kelvin Kiptum running community, his family, and his home village in the Kenyan Rift Valley deeply felt the tragedy.
Samson Cheruiyot, his father, is left tussling with the grief of losing his only child while his young children face an uncertain future. There is a gap in the sports world caused by him. However, one thing is for sure, Kelvin Kiptum’s legacy will continue to motivate and challenge future generations of runners.
