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Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning men’s marathon world record holder, tragically lost his life in a fatal road accident in his homeland. The 24-year-old athlete, renowned for his remarkable talent and recent triumphs, perished alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana of Rwanda, when their vehicle veered off the road and rolled over in western Kenya.
The accident, which occurred around 11:00 PM local time, also left a third passenger, identified as a female, hospitalized with injuries, as reported by authorities quoted by the AFP news agency. Kiptum, serving as the driver at the time of the incident, and Hakizimana succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Kiptum’s meteoric rise to prominence as a formidable contender in the marathon realm came to fruition in 2023 when he emerged as a worthy adversary to his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, ultimately surpassing Kipchoge’s longstanding record. His historic achievement unfolded in Chicago last October, where he completed the 26.1-mile distance in an astonishing two hours and 35 seconds.
Notably, just days before the tragic accident, Kiptum’s team had announced his ambitious endeavor to challenge the two-hour mark at the upcoming Rotterdam marathon, a feat never before accomplished in open competition.
The untimely demise of Kiptum has sent shockwaves through the global athletics community, eliciting heartfelt tributes from prominent figures. Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader and former prime minister, mourned the loss of “a true hero” and “a remarkable individual,” while Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, hailed Kiptum as “an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy.”
Kiptum’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of athletic achievement serves as an inspiration to many. He embarked on his marathon career in 2022, overcoming financial constraints that initially hindered his pursuit of excellence. Reflecting on his unconventional path, Kiptum attributed his transition from track to road racing to resource limitations, emphasizing his perseverance amidst adversity.
His close bond with coach Hakizimana, a retired Rwandese runner, underscored the profound impact of mentorship on his success. Their partnership, forged in 2018, blossomed into a shared pursuit of excellence, culminating in Kiptum’s record-breaking feats. Hakizimana fondly recalled their initial encounter, reminiscing about Kiptum’s humble beginnings herding livestock barefooted, a stark contrast to the indelible mark he leaves on the world stage of athletics.
As the athletics community mourns the loss of Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana, their enduring legacy and unwavering determination serve as a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of greatness against all odds.
