Kipchoge sparks controversy with post in memory of Kiptum

Legend Eliud Kipchoge was criticized for posting a tribute to his junior Kelvin Kiptum, who recently passed away in an accident.

Kipchoge when participating in the Berlin Marathon in September 2023. Photo: AFP — Kipchoge when participating in the Berlin Marathon in September 2023. Photo: *AFP*

He wrote: "I am heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of world marathon record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. This athlete had a bright future and great milestones ahead of him. My deepest condolences to his young family. May God be with you at this difficult time."

Kipchoge's post sparked controversy. Some criticized the 39-year-old legend for not congratulating Kiptum when the 24-year-old broke the world marathon record at the Chicago Marathon 2023 on October 8, 2023. At that time, Kiptum completed the 42.195km distance in 2 hours 0 minutes 35 seconds, breaking Kipchoge's own record of 2 hours 1 minute 9 seconds set at Berlin 2022.

"Never congratulated him when he was alive, and now you send condolences," @Ngafocus commented on Kipchoge's video. Another wrote: "You could have congratulated him. Instead, you're writing condolences now. What hypocrisy." Another commented: "You didn't congratulate him when he broke the world marathon record, but now you have the courage to send a condolence message?"

Some even suspect that Kipchoge is glad that his number one rival is gone. The two athletes are considered rivals. Those waiting for a match between Kipchoge and Kiptum in 2024 may be disappointed that this will never happen.

Kiptum's car was deformed after the accident on the evening of February 11. Photo: TaachFM — Kiptum's car was deformed after the accident on the evening of February 11. Photo: *TaachFM*

In response, many people sided with Kipchoge, saying that now was not the time to blame him. "May Kelvin Kiptum rest in peace. I know Eliud Kipchoge has the purest heart. He would never want Kelvin to get into an accident," commented @Haaland_sholla.

"Leave Kipchoge alone. He is the most famous Kenyan, the face of the marathon. Even when Kiptum set a new record, Kipchoge did it first. Many of you seem jealous of Kipchoge's successful career," another wrote.

Before his death, Kiptum had planned to become the first person to run a sub-2 marathon in an official event at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. He was also selected for the Kenyan athletics team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. It is believed that the world marathon will have to wait a long time to find someone who conquers the sub-2 mark.

Kiptum crashed his car in the Kaptagat area at around 11 p.m. on February 11. He and his coach Garvais Hakizimana died immediately. The other passenger, a woman named Sharon Kosgey, suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to hospital. The news of Kiptum's death shocked not only the sports world. Many athletes and celebrities posted tributes to the 24-year-old record holder, who was expected to be the next marathon icon after Kipchoge.

Vinh San

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