Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge recently opened up on the plight he faced in the wake of Kelvin Kiptum's passing in February this year.
Kiptum passed away in a tragic road accident alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana, just months after becoming the world marathon record holder. What followed was a series of frustration and speculation from Kiptum's fans on why the 24-year-old's life was cut short so soon, with Kipchoge on the receiving end of some damaging accusations.
While narrating the impact Kiptum's death had on his life, Kipchoge recently said in an interview with NTV that he only mourned the rising marathon star for 15 minutes.
"12th of February was really bad. I mourned Kiptum for only 15 minutes. I was in training with my boys when the news broke," Kipchoge disclosed. "At first, we thought it was our neighbour in Nandi called Kiptum, before we learnt Kiptum died in a road accident. I was in shock. I rushed home, took a shower and took my phone."
Immediately after Kiptum's death, Kipchoge, who is the first person in history to run a marathon distance in under-two hours, was viciously criticised on social media for his odd silence on the matter, with some critics alleging the marathoner was intimidated by Kiptum's potential.
He added, "Immediately I got my phone, instead of mourning the death of somebody, then a whole thing came to my side that I am the one who killed him."
Kipchoge, further narrated that there were plans in place from his critics to inflict pain on him by burning his house or hurting his children. Regardless, Kipchoge maintains that he was never afraid of death, adding that he was used to the negativity.
Kiptum's legacy: Months after Kiptum's death, his legacy still lives on, with other Kenyan athletes commemorating him through their respective successes.
In the Chicago marathon on Sunday, Ruth Chepng'etich, who set a new world record in the women's race, dedicated her impressive win to Kiptum, saying: “I am dedicating this world record to Kevin Kiptum. I am sure if he was here today, he could have defended his title and maybe gone for a world record again. I am also happy that this world record has come to Kenya,”
John Korir, who ensured the men's marathon title came back to Kenya, also admitted he was largely inspired by the late marathoner, hence his win.
Meanwhile, Kipchoge, who is arguably in the twilight days of his career as a top athlete, will likely not compete at the Olympics stage anymore after registering a DNF (did not finish) at the Paris Olympics for the first time ever.
Despite no specific goal in mind, however, the 39-year-old road-running legend quelled claims that he was hanging his marathon shoes, vowing to continue racing and 'sell a new story'.
