The world of athletics is still in shock following the news of the untimely and tragic death of Kenyan athlete, Kelvin Kiptum, at the age of just 24, on Sunday (February 11).
PROMISING ATHLETE The Ethiopian Olympic Committee (EOC) Vice President and former multiple world record holder, Haile Gebresilassie, told AIPS: “I started my day with this heart wrenching news of Kelvins’s tragic passing. He was one of my favourite young athletes. I have been following his running and success for a while and I was sure he was destined for greatness.”
The former Olympic champion continues: “After he broke the world record at 2023 Chicago marathon back in October, I was eager to watch him write a new history, by breaking the two hours barrier in his next race. We have seen a lot of potential from other athletes previously but for me, Kiptum was the real deal to be the first athlete to run an eligible sub two hours in the marathon.”
“Today, not only Kenya, but the whole world lost its precious athletics talent. A prodigy who is just starting to showcase his immense potential that could reach to unimaginable heights. I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and fans of the late Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.”
THEY LEFT A LEGACY Besides Haile Gebresilassie, other legendary athletes and sport institutions have also paid tribute to the 2023 World Athletics best athlete of the year for road races, the late Kelvin Kiptum and his coach. Multiple Olympic Champion, Kenenisa Bekele is one of them. He described the news as “devastating”, and believed that their legacy will inspire future generations.
Rio Olympics 1500m silver medallist, Genzebe Dibaba said Kiptum’s passing was “heartbreaking” as she sent her condolences to his loved ones.
Ethiopian Athletics Federation sends its message of condolence and reaffirms their solidarity to athletics Kenya and the loved ones of the athlete and his coach in this difficult period.
The 2019 World Women Marathon Champion Gotytom Gebresilassie, 2023 World 10,000m champion and 5000m world record holder, Gudaf Tseegay and 2020 London marathon champion, Yalemzerf Yehualaw are some of the athletes who were able to express their grief on the news of the sudden passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach.
Credit: AIPS Media
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