https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240212/loss-of-special-gem-kenyan-marathon-world-record-holder-kelvin-kiptum-dies-in-car-crash-1065037454.html
Loss of 'Special Gem': Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in Car Crash
Loss of 'Special Gem': Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in Car Crash
Sputnik Africa
Kiptum, whose marathon record of two hours and 35 seconds was ratified by World Athletics just last week, is gearing himself to run under two hours at the... 12.02.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-02-12T10:18+0100
2024-02-12T10:18+0100
2024-02-12T10:33+0100
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Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Garvais Hakizimana were killed in a car accident near the western Kenyan town of Eldoret, police told local media.According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 23:00 local time (20:00 GMT) when Kiptum failed to control his car, went into a ditch and hit a tree.Kiptum, who died at the age of 24, was one of the most compelling newcomers to road running in recent years. He made his marathon debut in December 2022, winning in Valencia in 2:01:53. Less than a year later, in his third marathon, he broke the world record, winning in Chicago in 2:00:35.The performance, along with his victory at the London Marathon earlier this year in a course record of 2:01:25, earned him the 2023 World Athlete of the Year in the men's out-of-stadia events.He was also in the Kenyan team picked for the 2024 Olympic Games in the French capital, Paris.The world of athletics and Kenyan government officials paid tribute and mourned the loss of the young athlete.Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences over the death of the sportsman, describing Kiptum as a "star and arguably one of the world's finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record."Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba also expressed his condolences over the incident, writing: "Devastatingly sickening!!!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words."Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, World Athletics, said on X that Kiptum was "an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy."
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Loss of 'Special Gem': Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in Car Crash
10:18 12.02.2024 (Updated: 10:33 12.02.2024) Kiptum, whose marathon record of two hours and 35 seconds was ratified by World Athletics just last week, is gearing himself to run under two hours at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year.
Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Garvais Hakizimana were killed in a car accident near the western Kenyan town of Eldoret, police told local media.
According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 23:00 local time (20:00 GMT) when Kiptum failed to control his car, went into a ditch and hit a tree.
Kiptum, who died at the age of 24, was one of the most
compelling newcomers to road running in recent years. He made his marathon debut in December 2022, winning in Valencia in 2:01:53. Less than a year later, in his third marathon, he broke the world record, winning in Chicago in 2:00:35.
The performance, along with
his victory at the London Marathon earlier this year in a course record of 2:01:25, earned him the 2023 World Athlete of the Year in the men's out-of-stadia events.
He was also in the Kenyan team picked for the 2024 Olympic Games in the French capital, Paris.
The world of athletics and Kenyan government officials paid tribute and mourned the loss of the
young athlete.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences over the death of the sportsman, describing Kiptum as a "star and arguably one of the world's finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record."
"His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe," the president wrote on X.
Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba also expressed his condolences over the incident, writing: "Devastatingly sickening!!!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words."
Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, World Athletics, said on X that Kiptum was "an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy."
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana," he wrote. "On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the Kenyan nation."
