Kenyan Athlete Kipyegon Bett Passes Away
Kenyan 800 meters athlete Kipyegon Bett. Photo by Kraft.
By Robert Mutasi
The athletics community is mourning the death of the blossoming middle-distance athlete Kipyegon Bett, who died on Sunday at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County.
He died at the tender age of 26 years. He had been battling a serious illness for the past month, with his health reportedly deteriorating lately, prompting the family to seek advanced medical care.
It was here that Bett announced his arrival onto the world stage: he struck gold in the 800 meters at the World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, back in 2016.
His victory brought him forth as one of Kenya’s new stars in athletics, signaling how richly fertile the country’s middle-distance running tradition runs.
Speaking in an emotional statement, Purity Kirui, sister to Bett and a Commonwealth Games gold medalist in the 3000m steeplechase, revealed how her brother’s health had been on a decline.
“He was ill for a month and was receiving outpatient treatment at AIC Litein Hospital. His condition worsened on Saturday and he was referred to Tenwek Hospital for admission and further tests,” Kirui told the Daily Nation. In what was heartbreaking to all who knew him, Bett’s health only grew worse despite medical intervention.
Reports indicate that before his death, Bett had severe symptoms such as vomiting blood linked to liver complications, among other issues with his internal organs.
This condition brought his family to look for urgent medical help over what had become a grave matter.
The untimely death of Kipyegon Bett has exposed a very huge chasm in the athletic society, considering how fellow athletes and fans alike are now thronging to pay their tributes. Many are remembering him not just for his great field occurrences but also for his humble nature and commitment to the sport.
His achievements at such a tender age had many awaiting a bright future ahead.
The Kenya Athletics Federation also released a statement of condolence, saying: “We have lost a talented athlete who had great potential in his future athletic career. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kipyegon’s family over this tragic incident.
The nation is in mourning, and the memory of Bett as a young champion will live on forever. His victories on the track will inspire other generations of athletes since the tragedy of his death strikes deep in the community.
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