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The world has been left in a devastating state after reports about the death of the world's fastest marathoner, Kelvin Kiptum emerged last night.
His world record was just ratified about a week but Kelvin Kiptum, the world’s fastest marathoner did not live enough to enjoy the fruits of his hard work.
The 24-year-old left the whole world in utter shock after being confirmed dead on Sunday night. According to reports, Kiptum was involved in a grisly road accident that led to his death and that of his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed that Kiptum, who was driving a Toyota Premio, and his coach died at the scene of the crash, while another passenger in the car survived with serious injuries.
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05:00 - 12.02.2024
ATHLETICS Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum tragically dies in road accident
The Police have reported that Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Garvais Hakizimana passed away on the spot Sunday night in an accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.
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His death leaves a huge gap to be filled since he was such a young and vibrant man with history written all over his face.
Since the news of his death happened, tributes have poured in from different parts of the world, with World Athletics president Seb Coe expressing his deepest condolences.
In a post on his X (Twitter) handle, Coe said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais 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 I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
Opposition leader Raila Odinga was also not left behind as he took to his social media handle to mourn the sudden demise of the 2022 Valencia Marathon champion.
He said: “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.
“My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
The TCS London Marathon race organisers were also left in shock as they poured in their tributes. In a post on their X (Twitter) handle, they said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
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“The thoughts of everyone at the TCS London Marathon are with Kelvin’s and Gervais’ family and friends.”
World 800m record holder David Rudisha also expressed his condolences, saying: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
“My condolences to the families, friends, athletic fraternity and Kenya at large. This is a huge loss.”
American sprinter Kenny Bednarek also expressed his condolences in a post on his X saying: “Heartbreaking news about Kelvin Kiptum and his coach. RIP.”
Tributes are still pouring in for the young talent, who just like Samwel Wanjiru, has left a legacy to be remembered in years to come.
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