By Fawaz Adebisi
Kelvin Kiptum, who is the world marathon record holder and winner of the London Marathon has been declared dead.
The 24-year-old died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a car crash in Kenya.
This was gathered from the Kenyan President William Ruto’s tweet on Monday.
In the post, Ruto described Kiptum as a star and world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.
He wrote, “He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future.
“An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace.”
Kiptum was the only athlete who broke the course record for the London Marathon last year.
He won the men’s event in the second-fastest marathon in history, with a time of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
He also the men’s world record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of two hours and 35 seconds in 2023.
