Sports stars who died too young
Record-breaking marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum has died at 24
© Getty Images
The life of an athlete can be fast and furious. They typically start young and quickly prove themselves at a national, and even international, level. While sometimes this leads to fame and an impressive career, unfortunately not all athletes make it that far.
Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum was tragically killed in a car crash on the night of Sunday, February 11. His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, was also killed in the accident. Kiptum was just 24 years old and had an incredible career ahead of him. The young runner was the world record-holder for the fastest marathon, having completed the 2023 Chicago Marathon in under two hours and one minute. The record was ratified just a week before his sudden death. Kiptum was one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the world of long-distance running, and was considered a top contender for gold at this year's Olympics in Paris. “He was only 24,” said Kenyan President William Ruto in a statement. “Kiptum was our future.”
Unfortunately, many athletes who have shown immense dedication to their sport have had their careers fatefully cut short. Click through this gallery to discover other sports stars who died too young.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
HEALTH Lifestyle
-
3
LIFESTYLE Humor
-
4
LIFESTYLE Religion
-
5
MUSIC Retrospective
-
6
CELEBRITY Accessories
-
7
LIFESTYLE Vikings
-
8
LIFESTYLE Society
-
9
LIFESTYLE 2024 japan earthquake
-
10
LIFESTYLE Animals