In a heartbreaking turn of events, Kelvin Kiptum, the 24-year-old world marathon record holder, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana have reportedly lost their lives in a devastating car crash in Kenya's Kaptagat area. The accident took place on Sunday night at around 11 pm local time, according to local reports.

Kelvin Kiptum had made history just last October when he shattered Eliud Kipchoge's world record by 34 seconds, completing the Chicago Marathon in an astounding time of 2:00.35. He followed up this victory with another impressive win at the London Marathon in April, setting a course record of 2:01.25. This victory came after his remarkable debut in the marathon in December 2022 in Valencia.

The young athlete's future looked promising as he would have been a favorite to win gold at the upcoming Olympics in Paris. A highly anticipated showdown between Kelvin Kiptum and his teammate and defending champion, Eliud Kipchoge, was eagerly awaited by fans and the athletics community.

The news of Kelvin Kiptum's untimely demise was met with shock and sadness. Raila Odinga, former prime minister of Kenya, expressed his deepest condolences, describing Kelvin as a remarkable individual and a true hero. The entire athletics fraternity mourns the loss of this exceptional talent.

World Athletics President Seb Coe also paid tribute to Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana, expressing shock and profound sadness over their tragic passing. He acknowledged Kelvin's incredible legacy and the significant impact he had made in the world of athletics.

Kelvin Kiptum's recent world record-breaking performance in Chicago had been officially ratified by World Athletics just a few days ago. His accomplishments as an athlete were admired and revered, and his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt.

As the nation grapples with this profound loss, the focus turns to supporting the families, friends, and teammates of Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana during this difficult time. Their contributions to the world of athletics will be remembered, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

The loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana serves as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. May they both rest in peace.