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World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has eulogised Kelvin Kiptum as an athletics great whose death robbed the world a talent that was set to write more epic chapters in the sport.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has expressed his sadness and frustration that world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum did not live to write more chapters in his storied athletics career.
While eulogising Kiptum during his funeral service in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet county on Friday, Coe said he was heartbroken to see such a promising athlete die when he had just started scaling the peak of the sport.
“That a young life ends so soon and in a devastating way is itself enough course to grieve,” Coe said in his speech.
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05:15 - 23.02.2024
ATHLETICS Kelvin Kiptum: President Ruto, World Athletics boss in attendance as world bids farewell to fallen marathon great
President William Ruto will be among those present as the world says goodbye to world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum who will be buried on Friday.
“That a young life that in so few years scaled the highest peak of athletics is prevented from even greater heights is a course for even greater sadness.
“It is also on this saddest day in the history of this great country I ask legitimate permission to celebrate an extra ordinary young man.”
The World Athletics boss also took the opportunity to convey a message of condolence from the global athletics family, saying his achievements will never be forgotten.
![[PHOTOS] Inside Kelvin Kiptum's new-look house that has been completed in seven days](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/23022024/f774a058-61d4-43b6-ab41-d78382e15c55.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
06:50 - 23.02.2024
ATHLETICS [PHOTOS] Inside Kelvin Kiptum's new-look house that has been completed in seven days
A peak into Kelvin Kiptum's new-look house that is now fully furnished after its construction took a record seven days following the use of a new technology.
“But it is celebrations infused in frustration. Frustration because Kelvin would have written more epic chapters in the illustrious history of Kenyan and world athletics. This I know,” he added.
“There can be few words from me today that can ease the pain and sense of loss. For Kelvin’s family, his fellow athletes, legion of friends within and beyond athletics many of whom are gathered here today.
“The Kenyan athletics federation and the people of Kenya. I can speak on behalf of the entire world athletics family. Kelvin, you will be missed.
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19:31 - 22.02.2024
ATHLETICS Kenya pays tearful tribute to marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum ahead of Friday burial
Thousands mourn in Eldoret as Kenya bids farewell to marathon star Kelvin Kiptum, honoring his legacy and record-breaking achievements.
“Our grief and sadness will take time to dissipate. Rest assured your achievements are treasured, indelible, and secure in the annals of our history and never ever forgotten. May you rest in peace.”
It has been a difficult two weeks for the world athletics fraternity following the death of Kiptum, who passed away less than a week after his world record of 2:00:35, recorded in Chicago last October, was ratified by World Athletics.
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