Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya looks after winning the 2023 Chicago Marathon and setting a marathon world record of 2:00.35 at Grant Park on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
- Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a car accident on Sunday night.
- Kiptam burst onto the marathon scene in October when he set a world record of 2:00:35 in Chicago.
- The 24-year-old was the overwhelming favorite to win the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
- For more sports news, news 24 sports cover.
Kenyan running star Kelvin Kiptum, who broke the marathon world record last year, died in a car accident on Sunday night.
Here are some of the notable reactions to his death, which shocked Kenya and the athletics world.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of marathon world record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum.
“An athlete who has spent his entire life achieving incredible greatness.”
– Kenyan Marathon Legend Eliud Kipchogewhose world record was broken by Kiptum by 34 seconds in October, posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
“It wasn't until earlier this week that I was able to officially recognize Kelvin's historic record in Chicago, where he set his incredible marathon world record.
“He was an incredible athlete who accomplished an incredible amount of work and we will all miss him tremendously.”
– sebastian coePresident of the World Athletics Federation.
“Kenya, the world and the fraternity of athletics and sport in general have lost a special and shining jewel.”
– Minister of Sports of Kenya Above Namwamba At a press conference.
“Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Probably one of the world's best sportsmen who broke barriers to achieve marathon records,” he posted on X.
“Although he was only 24 years old, he heroically won at Valencia, Chicago, London and other top competitions.
“His mental strength and discipline were unparalleled. Kiptum was our future.
“An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark on the world.
– President of Kenya William Ruto.
“Shocked and very saddened to learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Mr. Gervais Hakizimana. This is a great loss.”
– Kenya, two-time Olympic 800m champion david rudisha With X.
“With the Olympics just days away, we mourn the untimely passing of a promising talent.
“Kelvin's record, recently recognized in Chicago, shows the potential for a bright future for him and represents the next generation of great Olympics. It's historic and something that both of us were able to accomplish.”
– Kenyan National Olympic Committee Posted in X.
In X, Faith KipyegonThe Kenyan 1500m world record holder paid his respects without words with just three crying emojis and the Kenyan flag.
– Kenyan 1 500m world record holder.
“I am heartbroken and shocked to learn of the sad passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
“My condolences go out to their families, friends, and all athletics fans around the world.”
– Joshua CheptegeiUgandan 5000m and 10000m record holder on Instagram.
“Kelvin was an incredibly talented athlete who had already achieved so much. He was a really special talent and I have no doubt he would have had a great career later on.”
– British four-time Olympic champion mo farah On Instagram.
“I am very sad and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach yesterday. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.”
– Sifan HassanThe Ethiopian-born Dutch long-distance runner, who won the women's Chicago and London marathon titles last year, posted a photo on Instagram with Kiptum.
“Shocking news as we mourn the passing of a great man, world record holder and Kenyan track and field icon Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically passed away in an accident this evening, along with his coach,” he wrote in Told.
“Our nation deeply mourns the loss of a true hero.”
– Raila OdingaKenyan opposition leader
