NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 23 — President William Ruto has commemorated the late marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum as an ambitious, disciplined, and focused individual who dedicated himself to his craft.
Speaking on Friday, President Ruto highlighted Kiptum’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to breaking world records, despite facing numerous challenges along the way.
Despite his humble background, Ruto said the dedication of Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in a road accident on February 11, alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana, enabled him to break through the glass ceiling and set world records.
“Kiptum had more reasons not to succeed than he had to succeed but he worked against the odds,” President Ruto remarked during Kiptum’s final sendoff at his Chepsaimo home in Keiyo South.
“He could have said I come from Village that is not very known , or I come from a family that cannot cater for me or that I don’t have even running shoes, that he ran barefoot in his earlier days, but he did not see those impediments to his ambition and his success.”
President Ruto urged Kenyans to emulate Kiptum’s determination to propel the country forward and make Kenya great.
Kiptum legacy
He emphasized the importance of patriotism and urged citizens to contribute their best to nation-building.
Addressing Kenyan athletes, President Ruto called on them to uphold Kiptum’s legacy and strive to keep Kenya’s reputation as an athletics powerhouse alive, particularly in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games slated to take place from July 26 to August 11.
“We want you to make Paris an Olympics of Kevin Kiptum. We know you have all it takes,” he said.
Kiptum’s sudden demise, alongside his coach, sent shockwaves globally, especially as he was preparing for the Rotterdam Marathon and the forthcoming Olympics.
His coach, Hakizimana, was laid to rest in Rwanda on Wednesday.
At just 24, Kiptum’s list of accolades included victories in prestigious marathons such as Valencia, Chicago, and London.
