The sporting community has been inundated with tributes to 24-year-old marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who passed away on Sunday in an automobile accident. In Chicago last October, the Kenyan sensation became the first athlete to finish a marathon in under two hours and one minute.
His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, also lost his life in the sad collision that occurred late on Sunday night in southwest Kenya; another person is currently hospitalized. At the age of twenty-four, Kelvin broke records in the marathons in Valencia and London.
Hugh Brasher, the director of the London Marathon, shared a statement on social media, saying, “Kelvin had the sport of marathon running in his feet and at his feet.” He was an athlete who came around once in a generation and was going to change the game.
Hughes went on to highlight Kelvin’s amazing accomplishments by saying, “Three marathons, three wins.” In less than a year, the world record holder in Chicago, the course record holder in London, and the fastest marathon debutant in Valencia.”
Sir Mo Farah, the four-time gold medallist at the Olympics, wrote on X, “I’m so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.” “Kelvin was an exceptionally gifted athlete and had already accomplished so much,” he continued. He really has a unique skill, and I’m sure that he would have had a fantastic career.”