Tributes have been pouring in after the death of the world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, and his coach, in a road accident recently.
The 24-year-old won the London Marathon in April 2023 before setting the world record in Chicago in October 2023. According to police, he lost control of his vehicle while driving in Kaptagat, southwest Kenya, at around 11 pm local time.
His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also died in the accident while the third person involved in the crash was taken to hospital.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister, was part of those who paid their respects. He tweeted: “Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, world record-holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
In the same vein, Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s minister for sports, tweeted: “Devastatingly sickening! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”
Furthermore, Sebastian Cole, the president of World Athletics, said he was “shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly,” he added.
