“I Am Devastated”: Mourning Kelvin Kiptum’s Death, US Marathon Star Pens Down an Emotional Letter

On Sunday, the 11th of Feb, the world lost one of its or rather its top marathon runners, Kelvin Kiptum, to a traffic accident. The world record holder was a grateful presence in the marathon realm and the lives of those around him. Betsy Saina, the fastest American marathoner of 2023, was one of these lots, evidencing through an emotional note.

Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana’s demise, entailed a trail of emotions in their domain and otherwise. Betsy Saina, who has previously expressed her admiration for the marathon champion, chimed in among hundreds to pen a note of love and solace.

Betsy Sania shares her emotional response

The 2016 Olympian, Betsy Saina, took to her Instagram 2 days after the news to collect and pen her thoughts over the loss. “Kevin was a young man full of life, It’s the hardest thing to digest,” she wrote in her post. “I am devastated about Kevin’s death, it’s still like a dream.” Living through the harsh reality uncalled for, Saina reminded people that today was what everyone had. The uncertainty of the future must be channeled to live the day to the peak, she added, highlighting the suddenness of Kelvin Kiptum’s demise.

“Tomorrow is not guaranteed, do what you love most, so long us you have given the best from it,” her thoughts read. While Sania no doubt derived a message from the situation, it stemmed from the admiration she had for Kelvin Kiptum and his work. “You inspire us,” she had written previously for the record holder. And rightly so, for Kiptum was indeed a force to reckon.

Kelvin Kiptum and the path left void

In October 2023, Kelvin Kiptum set the world record for the men’s marathon with a time of 2 hours and 35 seconds at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. He broke the record held by marathon great Eliud Kipchoge. Being 24 years old, the youngster had much to attain and contribute to the nation and the marathon field. “Kiptum was our future,” were the Kenyan president’s words. 

Also Read: Who Was Driving the Car That Killed Kelvin Kiptum?

Kiptum was soon to mark the beginning of his season in April at the Rotterdam Marathon. That would have been his first since he broke the world record. But the tragedy ensured to cut off the youngster’s further glory. David Rudisha, Eliud Kipchog, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, and more were among numerous, highlighting the heartbreaking loss. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy,” the latter wrote. Kelvin Kiptum ran three of the seven fastest times in his short journey, introducing the world to a rare talent for years to come.

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