“May He RIP”: Track and Field Community Heartbroken After Sudden Demise Of 26-Year-Old Former U-20 Champion

Kipyegon Bett’s journey in the world of track and field was remarkable and filled with promise and passion. “I’m very happy because this is my first time winning world championships,” he said, beaming with pride after clinching gold in the 800 meters at the 2016 World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Reflecting on his previous silver medal at the Cali Youth Championships, he recognized how far he had come, exclaiming, “I appreciate it because I see now I’m coming up in good shape.” His joy was infectious, and it was clear that he was just getting started.

The Kenyan middle-distance runner quickly became a name to watch after his gold medal win at the African Youth Championships in 2015. Considering the elite status the country holds for producing a long line of sensational track stars, Bett naturally turned a lot of heads with his potential. But that will remain unfulfilled, and sprinting loyalists are resorting to tending to their heartbreak.

Bett, the 2016 U-20 Championships gold medalist, sadly passed away at the age of 26 on October 6 at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, Kenya. He was admitted as an outpatient to AIC Litein Hospital last Monday before his condition worsened, leading to his transfer. His sister, Purity Kirui, who is also a Commonwealth Games gold medalist in women’s steeplechase, confirmed Bett’s death.

“He has been unwell for about a month and was treated at the AIC Litein Hospital as an outpatient,” Kirui said. The deceased athlete was reported to have been vomiting blood due to liver damage and other internal organ issues. “On Sunday, his condition deteriorated and was referred to Tenwek Hospital for further tests,” Bett’s sister elaborated. On that fateful Sunday morning, Bett was conversing normally with family and doctors, showcasing the spirit that had made him a champion. But in a cruel twist of fate, he took his last breath around 12:40 PM, leaving behind a legacy that resonates deeply with those who knew him and admired his talent.

Athletics Kenya’s Director Barnaba Korir said that he has reached out to the athlete’s family in these troubled times and has ensured to extend every help possible. The life of a track and field athlete is often short. The relatively short window to become successful makes runners go all-in from the very beginning of their sprinting careers. However, sometimes, the life on the track can be cut even shorter by unfortunate circumstances. For the former U-20 champ, an unprecedented turn of events has cast a long shadow on his illustrious career, and the community can’t help but join hands in mourning.

The unexpected loss has sent a shockwave across the track and field community, who are having a hard time coming to terms with the news. Social media has been overrun by the saddening news, and one fan commented, “May he rip,” in a post on X from October 6, which shared news of Bett’s passing. Soon, others came forward with condolences to join the Bett family in grieving.

The global track and field community receives another blow to the guts

“May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace,” wrote Samwel Wekesa, who is shattered by the news like many of us. With a personal best of 1:43.76 in the 800 meters, achieved in Berlin in 2016, his future seemed bright, promising a legacy that could rival Kenya’s greatest middle-distance legends. His achievements included a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships in London and a silver in the 4×800 m relay at the 2017 World Relay Championships, showcasing his prowess on the global stage. Darius also noted his sadness at Bett’s passing and mirrored the sentiment of the previous track fan. “Rest easy champ,” commented Darius on X.

2024 has been a pretty low blow for the Kenyan track and field community. From Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum dying from a horror car crash in February to comrade-in-arms Rebecca Cheptegei of Uganda perishing recently, people in Kenya have had to deal with heartbreak after heartbreak. But it also raised several eyebrows. Fred notes his astonishment on the matter as he comments, “What is happening to our athletes the rate at which these guys are dying is questionable.” The question begs to be answered.

Another fan thinks Kenya is going through a rough patch that can’t be helped. “Sad day for our country. May he rest in the Lord,” wrote a fan-run page. However, another fan thinks peace shouldn’t be the ideal resting place for someone of Bett’s stature. Instead, “rest in power,” should be the choice, claims the fan. Are you just as sad as these fans to hear about Bett’s untimely quietus? Share your grief with us in the comment section below.