Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum (24) and his coach died in an accident on Sunday, February 11. The tragedy prompted a number of reactions from leading figures in the world of athletics.
Among them is Sébastien Coe, President of World Athletics."We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana... An extraordinary athlete who leaves an extraordinary legacy... He will be missed," reads a statement, reported by Le Monde.
On social network X, two-time Kenyan 800 m Olympic champion (2012, 2016) David Rudisha noted "a huge loss" and said he was "shocked and deeply saddened". His compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, double Olympic marathon champion (2016, 2021), whose record was broken by Kiptum, expressed his "deep sadness at the death of this athlete who had his whole life ahead of him to achieve excellence."
Kelvin Kiptum, recordman du monde du marathon est décédé dans un accident de la route cette nuit au Kenya. Quelle tragédie. pic.twitter.com/AEZFR0sQP8
— RUN’IX (@RUN_IX) February 12, 2024
