Eliud Kipchoge, world marathon record holder, has expressed his shock over the tragic death of fellow athlete Kelvin Kiptum on his X account.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World Record Holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum,” Kipchoge wrote.
Kipchoge described Kiptum as a young athlete who had his whole life ahead of him.
“An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness,” he added.
He sympathised with the young athlete’s family and offered his condolences to them.
Kiptum passed away on Sunday night in a road accident at Kaptagat on the Elgeyo Marakwet – Ravine road.
He was in the company of his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana who also died during the accident.
Kiptum’s death happened 6 days later after the IAAF ratified his record of 2:00:35.
He was set to face Kipchoge in the upcoming Paris Olympics in August.
Several leaders have mourned the 24-year-old athlete, sending their condolences through social media.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga said that Kiptum’s death was devastating news, calling him “a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon.”
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang wrote, “Kenyans are speechless after learning about the untimely passing of Kiptum and his coach Hakizimana.’
“May the Almighty God grant strength and comfort to his family during this difficult time. RIP Champion!” he said.
