Kenya's world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was laid to rest in a state funeral on Friday, following his tragic death in a car crash earlier this month. The funeral was attended by hundreds of dignitaries, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Sebastian Coe, head of World Athletics, along with family, friends, and fans of Kiptum.
Kiptum, a 24-year-old rising star in road running, had recently broken the world record in the marathon. His untimely death, along with his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in a car crash near Kaptagat, Kenya, has sent shockwaves through the running community.
Known for his exceptional talent, Kiptum had set a new world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon last October. He had aspirations of breaking the two-hour marathon barrier and making his Olympic debut in Paris this year.
His death has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Kenyan athletes, many of whom have tragically lost their lives in road accidents or other unfortunate circumstances. The government has come under scrutiny for not doing enough to protect these national treasures.
As Kenyans mourn the loss of yet another sports icon, calls for better protection and support for athletes have grown louder. Many believe that measures such as providing security, drivers, and advisors to athletes could prevent such tragedies in the future.
Amidst the grief, there have been promises of support from the government. President Ruto has announced the establishment of an endowment fund for athletes and pledged financial assistance to Kiptum's widow, including a new house and $34,000 in support.
The tragic passing of Kelvin Kiptum serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by elite athletes and the urgent need for improved safety measures and support systems to safeguard their well-being.
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