12 Feb 2024

 The death of Kenyan marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum has been described as a heavy blow not only to Kenya, but the world at large.

According to Kenya Nations, Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Garvais Hakizimana, died in a road mishap at Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet Road in Kenya on February 11.

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), vice president Oabona Theetso said in an interview that they were saddened by the untimely demise of Kiptum.

He said the athlete was still young and full of life adding that death had robbed the world of seeing him prove his mettle at the Olympic Games.

“He is only 24 and his World Record of 2:00:35 clocked in Chicago in October was just recently ratified by World Athletics,” said Theetso noting that the athlete did not enjoy fruits of his world record.

“It is a sad development in athletics,” he said.

Theetso said Kiptum was a ray of hope for Africa and a confident sportsman admired by some athletes in Botswana.

That alone, he said motivated them given that Botswana was not doing well in marathons.

Meanwhile, a number of sport personalities have paid tribute to Kiptum and one of them is Botswana’s sensational sprinter, Letsile Tebogo.

 “In the midst of life’s uncertainties. Thank you for showing the boundless potential within us, urging us to transcend limits and become our best selves, good night African brother,” said Tebogo in his Facebook page.

World Athletics president Seb Coe also paid tribute to Kiptum.

In his statement, he said they were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kiptum and Hakizimana.

“On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation. It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that he was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly,” he said. ENDS