The World Athletics has reacted to the death of Marathon World record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died on Sunday on an auto crash.
The Kenyan runner Kiptum, 24, was killed after he reportedly drove into a huge tree near Kaptagat in Southwest Kenya, a place used as a training base for long-distance runners.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” the president of the World Athletics Sebastian Coe said.
“On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, team mates and the Kenyan nation.
“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.”
Also riding with Kelvin Kiptum was his coach, 37-year-old Gervais Hakizimana of Rwanda nationality, who later died after the crash, and Sharon Chepkemoi, 32, who survived the accident.
Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga also sent condolences “to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”