Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, the 24-year-old world record holder in the men's marathon, tragically lost his life in a road accident alongside his coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana, in western Kenya.
Kiptum rose to prominence in 2023 as a formidable competitor to Eliud Kipchoge, breaking Kipchoge's record in the Chicago Marathon by clocking the 26.2 miles in an astonishing two hours and 35 seconds. He had been selected for Kenya's provisional marathon team for the Paris Olympics.
Tributes poured in for Kiptum, with Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba describing his loss as "devastatingly sickening" and opposition leader Raila Odinga mourning the passing of "a true hero" and "Kenyan athletics icon."
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe hailed Kiptum as "an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy."
The fatal accident occurred late Sunday, with Kiptum behind the wheel when the vehicle lost control and rolled, resulting in the deaths of both Kiptum and his coach. A third passenger, a female, sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
Kiptum's meteoric rise in the marathon world saw him break records and set new standards, despite only running his first full marathon in 2022. His unique tactical approach and remarkable performances made him a standout athlete.
Hakizimana, his coach, reminisced about their journey together, from their initial encounter when Kiptum was a young boy to their collaboration in breaking world records. Hakizimana fondly recalled Kiptum's humble beginnings and expressed gratitude for his achievements.
Kiptum's untimely demise is a profound loss to the athletics community, robbing it of a promising talent and a beacon of inspiration.
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