On Sunday, the sporting world misplaced considered one of its greatest rising stars, at solely 24. Marathon world report holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a automobile crash on Sunday in Kaptagat, Kenya, alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
The information shocked the athletics world and left many grieving. Kiptum will likely be remembered for his world-record-setting efficiency of two:00:35 on the 2023 Chicago Marathon and his pursuit of turning into the primary athlete to interrupt the two-hour marathon mark, which he hoped to do on the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon in April.
The next are reactions to Kiptum’s demise:
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe
“We’re shocked and deeply saddened to study of the devastating lack of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics, we ship our deepest condolences to their households, buddies, teammates and the Kenyan nation. It was solely earlier this week in Chicago, the place the place Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world report, that I used to be in a position to formally ratify his historic time. An unbelievable athlete leaving an unbelievable legacy–we’ll miss him dearly.”
4-time Olympic champion Mo Farah
“I’m so unhappy to listen to the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly gifted athlete and had already achieved a lot. He really had a particular expertise and I’ve little question he would have gone on to have had an unbelievable profession. I ship all my sympathies and condolences to his and Gervais’ household and buddies at this tragic time.”
Former marathon world report holder Eliud Kipchoge
“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World report holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a complete life forward of him to attain unbelievable greatness. I provide my deepest condolences to his younger household. Might God consolation you throughout this attempting time.”
World 5,000m and 10,000m report holder Joshua Cheptegei
“I’m so heartbroken and shocked to study of the saddening information of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. My condolences to each households, buddies and all of the athletics followers across the globe.”
Nike Operating
“We’re heartbroken by the tragic passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was a kind of particular athletes who confirmed the world what we are able to obtain. He was not solely a beloved member of the Nike household, however an inspiration to all. Kelvin’s affect on working won’t ever be forgotten. We prolong our deepest condolences to the households and family members of Kelvin and Gervais.”
Rotterdam Marathon
“We’re deeply shocked and saddened by the information of the demise of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Aside from being an athlete, we acquired to know Kelvin as a rare and humble human being. Our ideas are together with his household and we want them energy throughout this troublesome time. R.I.P. Kelvin.”
Kiptum’s agent Marc Corstjens
“With deep regrets, the unhappy information reached us late night Feb. 11, Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a horrible automobile accident, on their approach again to coaching camp. Our Golazo household is in shock by this sudden loss. Our ideas are with their households.”
Chicago Marathon race director Carey Pinkowski
“We’re shocked and saddened by the information of the latest demise of Kelvin Kiptum. Kelvin was a once-in-a-generation athlete on the entrance of his profession and there’s no doubt in my thoughts that his best achievements had been forward of him. We had been fortunate to witness his greatness on the streets of Chicago. Whereas he will likely be celebrated for his record-breaking performances, I’ll bear in mind him as an unbelievable expertise and as an much more magnificent individual. The game of marathon working has suffered a tragic loss. Our ideas and prayers are together with his household.”
Olympic and world 1,500m champion Religion Kipyegon
“Condolences to the household and buddies of Kelvin Kiptum. You may be missed by all within the athletics group. Relaxation in Peace.”
