Double Olympics champion Eliud Kipchoge has issued a statement mourning athlete Kelvin Kiptum after news about his death.
In a statement on Monday, February 12, Kipchoge expressed his shock at the death of Kiptum and passed his condolences to the family of the young athlete.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time,” he wrote.
His statement came at a time Kenyans were anticipating his reaction to the death of the young athlete seen by many as the heir to his throne in the marathon domain.
Kipchoge and Kiptum were set to face each in the upcoming Paris Olympics as part of the athletes selected to represent Kenya in the 2024 Olympics.
After his stellar run in Chicago that saw him break the world marathon record in 2023, Kiptum rose to sudden fame and sparked comparisons between him and Kipchoge whose credentials in road marathons had been proven.
Kiptum was killed in a night road accident on Sunday, February 11, after his car veered off the road and plunged into a roadside ditch at Kaptagat Forest area along Eldoret -Ravine road.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum, World Marathon Record Holder is Dead
Accident cuts short the rise of Kelvin Kiptum to stardom
According to a police report, Kiptum was driving his saloon car and was carrying passengers including his coach Gervais Hakizimana and a lady Sharon Kosgei when the accident happened.
Both Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot while the lady was admitted for treatment.
Kenyans from different walks took to their social media accounts to convey messages of condolences and mourn the young athlete who at the age of 24 showed prospects of being the first man to run an official marathon in below two hours.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum-From Humble Beginnings to Breaking World Record
In a statement, President William Ruto said, “He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future.”
On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga described news about Kiptum’s death as devastating and expressed his condolences to his family, friends and the athletics world.
“My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero,” Raila wrote.
