KENYA was plunged into mourning as news broke of the tragic demise of Kelvin Kiptum, the world-renowned marathon record holder, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana, following a fatal traffic accident in the Rift Valley on Sunday. The untimely loss has shattered the dreams of the promising athlete and sent shockwaves through the global athletics community.
Kiptum, aged 24, etched his name in the annals of marathon history when he broke the world record at the Chicago Marathon in October, clocking an astounding time of 2:00:35. Surpassing the previous mark set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin 2022, Kiptum’s feat marked a milestone in endurance running. With three of the seven fastest marathon times in history to his credit, Kiptum was on a trajectory to redefine the limits of human performance in distance running.
Tragically, Kiptum’s aspirations of becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in race conditions, along with his ambition of making his Olympic debut in Paris later this year, were abruptly cut short by the fatal accident.
Expressing profound sorrow, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe conveyed heartfelt condolences, stating, ‘An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.’ The entire athletic community stands in solidarity with the families, friends, and teammates of the departed athletes, as well as with the nation of Kenya, in this moment of grief.
According to reports from the Nation newspaper, the accident occurred late Sunday evening as Kiptum was driving his Rwandan coach and a female companion in the Rift Valley. While Kiptum and Hakizimana tragically lost their lives at the scene, the woman, identified as Sharon Kosgey, survived with serious injuries and received medical treatment at a local hospital.
Confirming the details, local police commander Peter Mulinge described the incident as a ‘self-involved accident,’ underscoring the tragic nature of the event.
Despite the late hour, tributes poured in for Kiptum from senior Kenyan politicians and government officials. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed his condolences on social media, describing Kiptum as a ‘remarkable individual’ and extending sympathies to his loved ones and the athletics fraternity. Similarly, Kenya’s Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba expressed deep sorrow, lamenting the loss of a ‘special gem’ and acknowledging the profound impact of Kiptum’s legacy on the nation.
As Kenya grapples with the loss of one of its brightest athletic talents, the memory of Kelvin Kiptum and his remarkable achievements in the sport will endure as a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to excellence.