Kenyan President mourns death of young athlete Kelvin Kiptum

Kenyan President William Ruto this Monday mourned the death in a car accident of young Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, considering himself one of the world’s best athletes.

“Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Possibly one of the best athletes in the world who broke barriers and set a record in the marathon,” the Kenyan President said on the social network X (formerly Twitter), recalling that the athlete was only 24 years old. years.

The death of young Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum caused huge shock in Kenya this Monday, which reacted with countless displays of horror and tributes.

“Kiptum was our future. The outstanding athlete left an extraordinary mark on the world. Our thoughts are with his family and the sports community. May he rest in peace,” William Ruto added.

First Lady Rachel Ruto said she was “heartbroken” by the death of the athlete, whom she called “a symbol of the resilience, hard work and indomitable spirit of the Kenyan people.”

In turn, the country’s Vice President Rigati Gachagua called the athlete’s death a “great loss” and an “incredible star.” [que] raised the Kenyan flag high, bringing glory to the nation.”

The runner’s coach also died in the crash on Sunday night.

“World Athletics deeply regrets the death of 24-year-old marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road traffic accident. His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who was in the car with Kiptum, also died in the accident,” it was reported. the body that governs world athletics.

Kelvin Kitpoom was one of the new assets in world athletics, making his marathon debut with a time of 2:01.53 hours in December 2022, and less than a year later, in his third marathon, he set a world record. , setting it to 2:00.35. He was the first to run under two hours and one minute.