Eliud Kipchoge pays tribute to marathon rival Kelvin Kiptum after tragic death | 5R2936F | 2024-02-12 16:08:01
Eliod Kipchoge has paid tribute to marathon rival Kelvin Kiptum, 24, following his tragic demise and says he had been destined to 'obtain unimaginable greatness'.
The Kenyan long-distance runner was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana, in a road accident on Sunday evening.
Kiptum made his breakthrough in 2023, profitable the London marathon, and set a new document for the space in Chicago in October when he ran the 26.2 miles (42km) in simply two hours and 35 seconds.
He beat compatriot Kipchoge's long-standing report within the process, while he was extensively expected to win Olympic gold this summer time and develop into the first individual to run a sub-two hour marathon.
Kipchoge, who has spent the past few years making an attempt to realize that landmark, has now paid tribute to his rival in a touching publish.
'I'm deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the marathon world report holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum,' wrote the 39-year-old on social media.
'An athlete who had his entire life ahead of him to realize unimaginable greatness.
'I supply my deepest condolences to his young household. Might God consolation you throughout this making an attempt time.'
Kiptum was set to star at the Olympics in Paris this summer time and his dying has shocked the world of athletics.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe stated: 'We're shocked and deeply saddened to study of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
'On behalf of all World Athletics, we ship our deepest condolences to their families, associates, staff mates and the Kenyan nation.
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'An unimaginable athlete leaving an unimaginable legacy, we'll miss him dearly.'
Kiptum clocked three of the seven quickest marathon occasions in history and had been hoping to run beneath two hours in race circumstances at Rotterdam in April.
Kenya's minister for sports, Ababu Namwamba, confirmed the information, additionally writing: 'Devastatingly sickening! Kenya has misplaced a special gem. Lost for words.'
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More >> https://ift.tt/W2RzioH Source: MAG NEWS
