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Kisii Express Mary Moraa has opened up on how the late Kelvin Kiptum played a vital role in motivating her to attack the long-standing 800m world record.
Reigning World 800m champion Mary Moraa has opened up on how the late Kelvin Kiptum was motivating her to go for the long-standing 800m world record.
Sharing her tribute, Moraa penned an emotional piece, opening up about how Kiptum was primed for greatness and how his demise has shattered her completely.
After Kiptum broke the marathon world record in Chicago last year, Moraa became motivated that she is capable of also breaking the 800m world record, one of the longest-standing records in the world of athletics. The record stands at 1:53.28 and was set back in 1983 by Jarmila Kratochvílová.
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05:00 - 12.02.2024
ATHLETICS Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum tragically dies in road accident
The Police have reported that Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Garvais Hakizimana passed away on the spot Sunday night in an accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.
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In a post on her Facebook page, Moraa said: “Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, it's shocking and devastating, losing you and your coach Gervais Hakizimana through a tragic road accident on Sunday at 11 pm.
“I am deeply saddened by your untimely death noting that it's only five days ago that your world marathon record of 2:00:35 was ratified.
“Your world record-breaking feat at the Chicago Marathon last year had inspired me to also target the long-standing women's 800m world record.”
The Commonwealth Games champion was also eagerly waiting for Kiptum to attempt the sub-two-hour marathon at the NN Rotterdam Marathon which will sadly not happen.
“You had a whole life ahead comrade. I was eagerly waiting for your sub-two-hour attempt this April.
“My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends and athletics fraternity at large. I am heartbroken but heaven has gained a treasure. Rest easy champ and see you on the other side,” Moraa said.
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21:59 - 11.02.2024
ATHLETICS Unstoppable Ferdinand Omanyala shatters 60m national record in Paris victory
Omanyala has smashed the national record he himself set in Miramas just one week ago at the Paris Indoor Tour.
Kiptum started making headlines after his fastest marathon debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon. He then opened his 2023 season with the London Marathon, clocking the now third-fastest time over a marathon before shattering Eliud Kipchoge’s world record in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Kiptum lost his life after being involved in a road accident on Sunday night outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret.
The 24-year-old Kenyan athlete was driving a Toyota Premio at the time of the accident where his coach, Gervais Hakizimana also died on the spot.
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