24 year old world champion Kelvin Kiptum dies in road accident

A section of leaders from across the globe have shared condolence messages following the tragic death of 24-year-old world champion Kelvin Kiptum.

Kiptum died alongside his Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana, on Sunday night following a road accident in Eldama Ravine.

Kiptum was a top contender for gold at the Olympics in Paris this year. He broke the world record in the third time in an elite marathon at the Chicago marathon.

Kiptum was the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, and 1 minute in an official race when he set the world record of 2:00.35 in Chicago in October, beating the mark of fellow Kenyan and marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who is the reigning two-time Olympic champion.

His world record, set at last year’s Chicago Marathon, was ratified by the international track federation World Athletics just last week.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe was one of the first to offer his condolences in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” Coe wrote.

“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

US Ambassador to  Kenya Meg Whitman also shared condolence messages.

“I’m deeply saddened by the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum. My condolences to his family, friends, and fellow runners at this most difficult time,” she said in a tweet.

Road crashes on the rise in Kenya, Africa

Kenya continues to record increased road fatalities. Last year, the World Health Organization reported that traffic fatalities had increased by 17% in Africa over the past 10 years, even as they fell 5% overall worldwide. Road crashes are now one of the top causes of death in a continent contending with plenty of other public health challenges.

Sir Mo Farah: I’m so sad to hear the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much. He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have had an incredible career. I send all my sympathies and condolences to his and Gervais’ family and friends at this tragic time.

Kalonzo Musyoka: The news of the untimely passing of Kelvin Kiptum deeply saddens us. 24-year-old Kiptum was one of the fastest rising stars in Kenya’s indeed the world’s athletics scene. His potential was limitless. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kiptum’s family, indeed the larger Athletics family at this most difficult time.

Faith Kipyegon, EGH: Condolences to the family and friends of Kelvin Kiptum. You will be missed by all in the athletics community. Rest in Peace.

Eliud Kipchoge: I’m deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire athletic community. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time