Kenyan middle-distance runner Kipyegon Bett tragically passed away at the age of 26 on Sunday, October 6, due to complications involving liver and internal organ damage. A week prior to his death, Bett had been admitted to Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, where doctors diagnosed him with liver issues. His sister, Purity Kirui, shared that Bett had been suffering from severe stomach pains for about a month. Kirui explained that Bett had been in and out of the hospital, as doctors confirmed he had a liver problem.
Bett, a talented runner, had made a name for himself by becoming a world junior champion in the 800m in 2016. However, his career took a sharp turn when he was banned for four years in 2018 after testing positive for the banned substance erythropoietin (EPO), a performance-enhancing drug prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This ban significantly affected Bett, leading him into depression and heavy alcohol use, which worsened his health, as noted by his sister.
champ.”
During his career, Bett earned several accolades, including a bronze medal in the 800m at the 2017 World Championships with a time of 1:45.21. He was also a part of Kenya’s silver-medal-winning 4x800m relay team at the 2017 World Athletics Relays. Bett’s achievements included gold at the 2015 African Youth Championships, where he recorded a time of 1:51.67 in the 800m, as well as a silver medal at the 2015 World U18 Championships.
sympathies.”
The track and field community has been deeply saddened by Bett’s passing. Online tributes poured in, with many fans expressing their grief and offering condolences to his family. Bett’s death is another loss in a difficult year for athletics, with the community also mourning the deaths of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei.
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