Members of the Kenyan Parliament on Tuesday called for more support and protection for elite athletes, after the death of a promising marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum behind the wheel of his car.
The new Kenyan athletics phenomenon, 24, died on Sunday night after running off the road in Rift Valley (west), not far from where he lived and trained. His coach Gervais Hakizimanawho was also on board, died instantly.
The sudden death has unleashed strong emotions and raised questions about the situation and training conditions of world-renowned athletes in a country that prides itself on its sporting achievements in long and middle distance races.
“While we are grieving, the Sports Ministry should take some steps (…) Our athletes should be taken seriously,” declared Gideon Kimaiyo, MP for Keiyo South, Kiptum’s home, after the elected representatives observed a minute of silence during the resumption of the parliamentary session.
“Some athletes are young and have promising careers, but they are left to their own devices,” he lamented. “We need… our athletes to be treated like VIPs and have security,” said Phelix Odiwuor, opposition MP for Langata, on the outskirts of Nairobi.
“All our best athletes, who represent this country and take all the honors, are forgotten after receiving their medals,” he said.
Many elected representatives paid tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, who “at the age of 24… has achieved only so many athletes,” said Ng’elechei Caroline Jeptoo, Elgeyo Marakwet county representative in the Valley. of the Rift.
“He is a beacon of hope not only for the people of his town, but also for many people in the country and outside it,” he said.
Considered the rising star of Kenyan and world athletics, Kelvin Kiptum made a sensational entry into the marathon world when, in his third official race in Chicago last October, he broke the world record (2h00’35”) held by the legend of the discipline, his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge.
He announced that he would attempt to become the first person to run an official marathon under the symbolic two-hour barrier in Rotterdam, on April 14.
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal accident. Kiptum, who was at the wheel of the car, lost control of the vehicle and went down the road for about 60 meters before hitting a large tree.
Source: La Verdad
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