Kelvin Kiptum update: Marathon world record holder dies in Kenyan accident; Seb Coe pays tribute

Kiptam was a strong candidate for gold at this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Fans were excited about his first face-off with compatriot Eliud Kipchoge.

This tragic news comes as a result of a blossoming man with immense potential, given his three performances at the iconic distance and his ability and discipline to negative splits already at such a young age. I ended my career.

Kelvin Kiptum was one of last year’s World Athletics Athlete of the Year.

Kiptamu was recognized outside the world of distance running as he posed alongside fellow winners Noah Lyles and Armando Mond Duplantis as the World Athletics Championships shared awards.

Kelvin Kiptum’s professional career began with the 2018 Eldoret Half Marathon, where he ran an impressive high altitude time of 1:02:01. He then recorded a DNF in Stockholm in May 2019 and a 10km time of 28 minutes 17 seconds in Utrecht in 2019.

There was another DNF in the 1-hour race in Brussels in 2020, and there will be two half marathons in 2020. One of those times was 1:00:57 at Marugame, then 59:59 at The Hague.

Kiptam’s short-distance career will end in 2021, including running a 10k in Stockholm in 28:27.87 and running two half marathons. One in Reims (59 minutes 35 seconds) and then the half marathon in Valencia where he ran 59 minutes 02 seconds.

Kelvin Kiptum marathon results

• Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP 2022: 2:01:53
• TCS London Marathon 2023: 2:01:25
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: 2:00:35

“We are shocked and saddened by the recent passing of Kelvin Kiptum. Kelvin was a once-in-a-generation athlete who was at the forefront of his career and whose greatest accomplishments were ahead of him. There is no doubt in my mind of one thing: We were fortunate to witness his greatness on the streets of Chicago.

“While he will be celebrated for his record-breaking performance, I think he will be remembered as an incredible talent and even more as a great person. The sport of marathoning has suffered a tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” – Carrie Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director.

“Kelvin Kiptum was the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion and world record holder (2:00:35).”

Kenyan Sports Minister Above Namwamba announced on X: Kenya has lost a special jewel. I was speechless. “

Former Kenyan Prime Minister: “Shocking news as we mourn the passing of a great man, world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon Kelvin Kiptum. Along with his coach, they lost their lives in an accident tonight. died.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics community. Our nation deeply mourns the loss of a true hero.”