Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, has opened up about the emotional and psychological toll he endured following the tragic death of Kelvin Kiptum. Kiptum, the marathon world record holder, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana lost their lives in a road accident in February. Kipchoge revealed that he mourned Kiptum for only 15 minutes—an admission that offers a glimpse into the complicated mixture of grief, confusion, and social media turmoil he experienced in the aftermath.
The sudden passing of the 24-year-old Kiptum shocked the athletics world, not only due to the loss of a prodigious talent but also because of the accusations that followed. Kipchoge, 39, became the target of speculation and baseless claims suggesting that he had a hand in Kiptum’s death. Reflecting on that difficult period, Kipchoge recalled how these allegations forced him to compress his mourning into a brief moment as he found himself at the center of public outrage and personal threats.
On the day he heard the news, Kipchoge was at his training camp. He initially thought the victim was a neighbor with a similar name, but soon the devastating truth came to light—Kiptum had perished in a tragic road accident along with his coach. Kipchoge described being in shock, adding that he rushed home and took a shower before checking his phone to confirm what he had just heard. However, instead of joining others in mourning, he found himself facing accusations that would spiral into a firestorm on social media.
According to Kipchoge, the situation escalated rapidly. The accident had reportedly occurred around 11 p.m., but within 30 minutes after midnight, social media was ablaze with false claims implicating him. People speculated that he was somehow involved, and the tone of the conversations quickly grew malicious. Kipchoge recalled how threats were made against his home, his children, and the training camp where he prepared for competitions.
He described the experience as surreal and unsettling, with discussions online suggesting violent actions against him. Even some of his training partners were caught up in the frenzy of misinformation. Despite the intensity of the threats, Kipchoge remained composed and unafraid, stating that he continued his daily routine, which included leaving for training early in the morning. “If you want to kill me, you can find me on the way. I do not have bulletproof protection or bodyguards—it’s easy,” he said, reflecting on how exposed he felt.
Kipchoge also addressed the politicization of Kiptum’s death, noting how rapidly it became entangled with public narratives and negative commentary. In his reflection, Kipchoge acknowledged that he was shocked by the negativity surrounding the incident, which spread with alarming speed. “It was surprising to read all those things,” he said, expressing disbelief at how easily the tragic event was used to fuel speculation and blame.
Despite the emotional strain, Kipchoge emphasized his resilience and his philosophy about life. He believes that most people in the world tend to think negatively, while only a small percentage approach life with positivity. “In life, they say 97 percent of people are negative thinkers, and only three percent are positive,” he said. This mindset has allowed him to remain focused and motivated, even as he faced both personal and public challenges.
Kipchoge has since resumed training, recovering from a disappointing run at the Paris Olympic Games. He remains optimistic about the future and is determined to continue competing at a high level. As he looks toward upcoming races, including a potential appearance at the Tokyo Marathon, Kipchoge expressed confidence that he still has the capacity to deliver remarkable performances. His passion for the sport remains undiminished, and he is determined to make the most of the time he has left in competitive marathon running.
Reflecting on the loss of Kiptum, Kipchoge described the young athlete’s death as “unfortunate” but indicated that he has come to terms with the tragedy. He views life as a journey filled with both triumphs and setbacks and has chosen to channel his energy into his training and future goals. Despite the painful experiences and unfounded accusations, Kipchoge continues to inspire others with his perseverance and commitment to excellence in athletics.
Through the turbulence following Kiptum’s death, Kipchoge has remained grounded. His focus on mental strength and discipline, which have been key components of his success, has allowed him to weather the storm. For Kipchoge, the ability to move forward in the face of adversity is essential—not only for his athletic career but also for life beyond the marathon circuit.
As Kipchoge eyes a new chapter in his storied career, he remains hopeful and determined to leave a lasting legacy in the world of long-distance running. The events surrounding Kiptum’s passing have reinforced his belief in staying true to oneself, even when faced with overwhelming negativity. His unwavering focus on training and self-improvement serves as a reminder that greatness is not just about victories but also about enduring life’s challenges with dignity and strength.
