Kenya Mourns after marathoner Kelvin Kiptum’s death
2023 TCS London Marathon - Elite men race - Kelvin Kiptum (3). Winner of the men race.
Kenyan authorities are plunged into deep sadness following the tragic death of Kelvin Kiptum, a young long-distance running prodigy, who died in a car accident last Sunday.
Kelvin Kiptum, only 24 years old, was on the verge of becoming a global athletics superstar before his life was tragically cut short alongside his coach in the terrible accident.
In a poignant statement, Ababu Namwamba, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary in charge of sports, expressed the profound pain that has engulfed the country: “It is a very dark morning, a very dark day for our country.”
Kelvin Kiptum had already made his mark in athletics history with his world record set at the Chicago Marathon last year, an achievement that had been officially ratified by the International Athletics Federation just the previous week.
His meteoric rise had made him one of the most promising road racers for years, making him an undeniable contender for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August.
Kelvin, hailing from Kenya, tragically lost his life alongside his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in the accident that occurred around 11 p.m.
The news of Kelvin Kiptum’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Kenyan athletics community, leaving its members in a state of disbelief and profound sadness.
As Kenya mourns the loss of one of its greatest sporting hopes, the memory of Kelvin Kiptum will remain etched in the minds of all who have been touched by his talent and unwavering determination.
