Renown GOAT of Marathon Eliud Kipchoge has broken silence on the death of the current holder of Marathon World Record Kelvin Kiptum.
In a statement he shared through his social media channels, Kipchoge mourened the deceased, saying he was saddened by the tragic death
“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 times,” Kipchoge said.
He captioned the statement, ” Rest In Peace Kelvin,” accompanied by a love emoticon.
Rest in peace Kelvin. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QqivOklTxk
— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) February 12, 2024
The 24-year old athlete together with his coach died on the spot after being involved in an accident on Sunday at 11pm. Kiptum was driving the car and is said to have lost control and veered off the road, before hitting a tree and landing in a ditch
They duo were in the company of a woman who survived the accident and she is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Kipchoge has however been trending on X after the death of Kiptum. This is because Kiptum broke Kipchog’e world record of 2hrs 1 Min 9 Secs after running Marathon in 2hrs and 35 seconds in Chicago, but Kipchoge remained mum on his victory.
The two heroes were howver to face off in the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.
Kiptum was also among the Kenyan team that was to participate in Rotterdam Marathon in April 14, 2024, which he hoped to run in under two hours.
Kenyans of all walks of life have overwhelmingly mourned Kiptum.
“Only last October we feted and honoured #KelvinKiptum after he shattered the marathon world record. We were excitedly looking forward to his target of becoming the first human to do sub 2 hrs, and for his Olympics bow in Paris next summer.
“Indeed Kelvin was only getting started, and was destined to rule the world of elite marathon running for long. The cruel hand of death has robbed Kenya and the world a truly precious sporting gem. My deepest condolences to the family of Kelvin and the entire athletics & sporting fraternity. Rest well champion,” Sports CS Ababu Namwamba said.
