Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-22 21:31:05
The Iten Stadium in Kenya was filled with raw emotions and tears as residents and athletes gathered to pay their respects to Kelvin Kiptum, the 24-year-old world marathon record holder who tragically lost his life in a car accident alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana. Just over 10 days ago, the promising athlete’s life was cut short, leaving a void in the sporting world.
Kiptum had recently made headlines by setting a men’s world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds in the Chicago Marathon and was looking forward to competing in the Paris Olympics. His untimely death has left a void in the upcoming sporting events, with fellow marathon runner Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor acknowledging that the Olympics will not be the same without Kiptum’s presence.
The late athlete had ambitious plans, including a bid to run the 42-kilometre distance in under two hours at the Rotterdam marathon in April, a remarkable feat that has yet to be achieved in open competition. Kamworor expressed the disappointment of not being able to witness Kiptum’s future accomplishments, stating that many were eagerly awaiting to see what he would achieve next.
The memorial service held at Iten Stadium marked the beginning of Kiptum’s final journey home, as his casket was transported from a morgue in Eldoret to his farm in Naiberi for his burial. Family members, athletes, and friends gathered to bid farewell to the talented athlete, who had made a significant impact in the world of road running in just a short span of time.
Kiptum’s sudden and tragic passing has deeply affected the sporting community, with fellow athlete Wilson Kipsang expressing his sadness at the loss of someone who had achieved so much in such a short time. A vigil was held in his parent’s village the night before the main funeral, which is set to take place with the attendance of President William Ruto.
The legacy of Kelvin Kiptum will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his talent and determination. His untimely death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. The sporting world has lost a rising star, but his memory will continue to inspire future generations of athletes to push their limits and strive for greatness.
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