Olympic marathon gold medal favourite and world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum has died.
The Kenyan distance running superstar was in a traffic accident on Monday morning (AEDT).
He was just 24.
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Kenayan Prime Minister Raila Odinga confirmed the devastating news.
“Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon,” the Prime Minister wrote on social media.
“Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight.
“My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
Kiptum’s passing comes just days after his world record-shattering marathon time of 2:00.35 was officially ratified.
The rising superstar beat Eliud Kipchoge’s previous best mark in Chicago last October, becoming the first person to ever run sub-2:01.00 in an officially recognised race.
Kipchoge’s record of 2:01.09 had stood since September 2022.
More to come …