Summary:
- Eliud Kipchoge shared the emotional and mental struggles he faced after fellow Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum’s tragic death in February.
- Kiptum’s death sparked baseless accusations against Kipchoge, which he strongly denied, despite the emotional toll.
Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary marathoner, recently spoke out about the emotional and mental ordeal he endured following the tragic death of fellow Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum in February. Kiptum, who held the marathon world record, died in a road accident alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. The devastating incident not only shocked the running community but also triggered baseless accusations that weighed heavily on Kipchoge.
In an emotional interview, Kipchoge recounted the events of that fateful day, explaining how the tragedy quickly spiraled into a personal nightmare. “12th of February was bad,” he said, describing the moment he first heard the news. Initially, Kipchoge thought the victim was his neighbor, also named Kiptum, before learning it was Kelvin Kiptum who had died in a road accident. “I was in shock…I rushed home, took a shower, and then took my phone. Instead of mourning, the whole thing came to my side that I am the one who killed him.”The
Kipchoge expressed his disbelief over how fast rumors spread, politicizing Kiptum’s death and targeting him. He described the fear and frustration of being falsely accused. “Many people discussed how to burn my house, my children, and also the camp,” he said, adding that the threats were alarming but that his straightforward lifestyle offered little protection. “If you want to kill me, you can find me on the way. I do not have bulletproof or bodyguards.”
Reflecting on the situation, Kipchoge noted, “It’s life. In life, they say 97 percent of the people are negative thinkers, only three percent are positive.”
Despite the immense pressure and public scrutiny, Kipchoge has returned to training with renewed determination. While the Paris Olympic Games setback lingered, the marathon legend remains focused on the upcoming marathon season, eager to prove his resilience once again.
