Eliud Kipchoge Speaks About Kelvin Kiptum Death Ahead Of 2024 Tokyo Marathon

Kenyan greatest marathoner of all time Eliud Kipchoge has mourned his fellow fallen athlete Kelvin Kiptum who passed away last month through road accident. Kipchoge who is gearing up ahead of 2024 Tokyo Olympic marathon set to take place on Sunday 3rd March. It will be Kipchoge’s first race since sudden demise of Kelvin Kiptum on February 11 last month.

While speaking ahead of the most anticipated Tokyo Olympic marathon, Kipchoge expressed his disappointment for the untimely death of Kitum, “I’m sorry and it’s unfortunate that he left us.” Kipchoge said.

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Kiptum  broke Kipchoge’s marathon world record in October 2023 during the Chicago marathon where he clocked 2:00:35. The two were set to face off for the first time during this year’s Paris Olympics in July but that will remain a dream following the death of Kiptum at only 24 years.

QUICK READ: Millions Kelvin Kiptum Made In His Marathon Career Before Death

During the press conference, Kipchoge also spoke on Kiptum’s career saying, “His career was in high spirits when he was really running on a high level. It was unfortunate.”  Netherlands and Women’s Chicago marathon winner Sifan Hassan also expressed her grief following Kiptum’s death, “It was never in my mind. I was actually waiting for when he would break a sub-two. So, when I heard it, it really broke my heart and that day I was really depressed.” 

“It’s very sad. I ran two marathons and both marathons I shared with him the podium. So, when he broke the world record, I shared it with him.” “What can you do sometimes if things happen like that? It’s just hard but I think for a couple of days it really affected me. He was so young, and he was showing the world what is possible, but his life passed away.”  Sifan Hassan said.

Eliud Kipchoge makes his return to Tokyo Olympics for the first time since 2022 when he clocked 2:02:40 to set new course record in the event. He is set to face stiff competition from his fellow Kenyan athletes Timothy Kiplagat, Vincent Ngetich and Benson Kipruto.

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