China News Service, Beijing, February 12th Comprehensive news: According to World Athletics news on the 12th, the marathon world record holder and Kenyan athlete Kiptum died in a car accident in Kenya on the 11th. He was only 24 years old.
It is reported that the accident occurred on the road between Eldoret and Kaptagat in western Kenya. Kiptum's coach Gervais Hakizimana also died in the car accident.
Kiptum was born on December 2, 1999 and is a Kenyan marathon runner. In the Chicago Marathon in the United States in October 2023, the then 23-year-old won the championship in 2 hours, 0 minutes and 35 seconds, breaking the world record of 2 hours, 01 minutes and 09 seconds held by Kenyan athlete Kipchoge.
The Associated Press stated that Kiptum is one of the brightest newcomers to emerge in the marathon field in recent years. He is also regarded as a popular contender for the marathon gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. All parties originally expected Kiptum and Kipchoge to stage a "peak showdown" at the Paris Olympics.
Regarding Kiptum's death, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe posted on social media that he was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Kiptum and his coach. "We send our deepest condolences to their family, friends, teammates and Kenya. He was an incredible athlete and we will miss him greatly." (End)