China News Service, Beijing, February 12 (Reporter Yue Chuan) The person closest to "Breaking 2" in the world today has left this world forever.
The picture shows Kiptum’s data map
According to the International Olympic Committee website, marathon world record holder Kiptum died in a car accident on the 11th local time in Kenya. He was only 24 years old.
It is reported that Kiptum's car ran off the road due to loss of control, which ultimately led to a tragedy. There were three people in the car when the accident occurred. Kiptum and his coach Hakizaman were killed on the spot, and the other person was rushed to a hospital in Eldoret for treatment.
Kiptum's death is a huge loss for the marathon movement, and he was seen as someone who could rewrite history.
The picture shows Kiptum’s data map
In the Chicago Marathon last October, Kiptum won the championship with a time of 2 hours, 0 minutes and 35 seconds, and improved the original world record held by the famous Kipchoge by 34 seconds. Kiptum thus became the first athlete in history to break the 2 hours and 1 minute mark in an official marathon. "Breaking 2" is no longer far away for him.
What's even more impressive is that Kiptum only started to participate in international marathons at the end of 2022, and the Chicago Marathon was only the third official race he participated in. In less than 10 months, he ran 2 hours and 2 minutes in three competitions, becoming the leading player among the younger generation.
With dazzling results in hand, Kiptum, who is only 24 years old, has a bright future. He is the closest person in the world today to "breaking 2" in an official game, but these beautiful visions for the future came to an abrupt end.
Along with "Kiptum's death", the term "Heaven's Jealous of Talents" was also trending on social platforms. This is the most intuitive feeling from the outside world about his sudden death - all runners, and even all mankind, are waiting for a hero to open the door.
The picture shows Kiptum competition information map
Improving the performance to less than two hours in the official marathon is the goal of all strong people, symbolizing that mankind has once again broken through itself.
In 2019, all parties created a "159" challenge specifically for Olympic champion and then world record holder Kipchoge. The organizers created many favorable conditions for Kipchoge, including a 41-member "Rabbit Group" who escorted Kipchoge all the way.
In the end, Kipchoge completed the challenge in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds. Although this could not be recorded as an official match, it was still a major event in world sports that year and inspired many people. This includes Kiptum.
"I dream of participating in the Paris Olympics. If I finally have the opportunity to be selected to participate, I will be grateful and go to Paris to fight for a medal." Kiptum is one of the members of the temporary team selected by the Kenyan track and field team for the Paris Olympics. An elite team of only 10 people also includes the famous Kipchoge.
According to their respective participation plans, the Paris Olympics should have been the first time that the two fastest marathon runners in history competed together.
"It's exciting to meet Kipchoge, he inspires a lot of people. I'm ready to race with him."
Kipchoge mourns Kiptum Image source: Kipchoge social media
Unfortunately, Kiptum’s wish could no longer come true. After learning the bad news, Kipchoge, as the big brother, was very sad and he immediately posted a message of condolence.
Kiptum originally planned to participate in the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. If it hadn't been for this accident, it might only take another two months for him to open the door. (over)