Marathon world record holder and London Marathon winner Kelvin Kiptum and his coach died in a car accident, the former Kenyan Prime Minister said.
24 years old He won the London Marathon last year.
Kenyan runner Milka Chimus said her coach was also killed in the accident.
Kiptum celebrates his world record in the Chicago Marathon. Photo: AP
She added that the accident occurred on a road between two cities in western Kenya, in a high area known as a training base for long-distance runners.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said on Channel
“I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends and the entire sporting family.
“Our nation mourns the terrible loss of a true hero.”
Kiptum only knows how to win – he leaves records filled with tragedy
Athletics has lost an extraordinary talent.
A lot was achieved incredibly quickly by Kelvin Kiptum, who knew just how to win.
The Kenyan's maiden marathon – 14 months ago in Valencia – was the fastest debut race in history.
More glory would quickly follow, as he won on the streets of London in April in his second ever marathon.
Then a milestone is his legacy. No man had run 26.2 miles in less than 2 hours and 1 minute before.
Kiptum has done more than just make this happen. He broke the world record set by his Kenyan compatriot Eliud Kipchoge by 34 seconds.
In only his third marathon, the Chicago course was completed in 2 hours and 35 seconds in October by Kiptum. A few days ago, Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, ratified this world record.
The death of the 24-year-old – along with Rwandan coach Jervis Hakizimana – represents a tragedy for their families and their country.
“A special gem,” recalled Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s Cabinet Minister for Sports.
His sport, in this Olympic year, will be sad for an athlete who excelled so quickly, so young.
Kiptom died while training to attempt another remarkable feat – and he is eyeing the first official marathon running under two hours in Rotterdam in April.
After setting the goal, Kiptom said: “I would like to be part of the rich history of this marathon.”
This is guaranteed – leaving records tinged with tragedy.
Kiptom broke the record set in the London Marathon last year, by winning the men's race in the second fastest marathon in history, crossing the finish line in two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
Kelvin Kiptom and fellow Elite Race winner Sivan Hassan. Pic: PA
Last year, he broke the men's world record by winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds, beating the record of fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge.
His record was ratified by the International Association of Athletics Federations last week.
IAAF President Sebastian Coe tweeted: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptom and his coach Jervis Hakizimana.
“On behalf of all world athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, colleagues and the Kenyan nation.”
“Only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world record, was I able to officially authenticate his historic time. He is an incredible athlete who has left an incredible legacy. He will be greatly missed.”
