Ruto, Athletics Boss Issue Rallying Call Ahead Of Paris 2024 Olympics

President William Ruto and Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei on Friday, February 23 urged Kenyan athletes to honour the late world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum by putting a spirited performance in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Speaking during Kiptum's burial at Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Ruto urged the athletes participating in the games to put their best foot forward as a positive performance would adhere to the late Kiptum's wishes.

“We had faith and hope that he would keep Kenya on the world map even in the coming Olympics. But since we have you, our athletes, and you have heard from all of us…Paris is going to be the Olympics that is going to define this man, Kelvin," Ruto declared.

“We want you to make Paris an Olympics of Kelvin Kiptum. Help us and we know you can do it.”

On his part, Tuwei expressed regret over the absence of the late World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum at the upcoming Paris Games, stating that Kiptum was among those initially selected for the event where he was meant to go head-to-head with the legendary Eliud Kipchoge.

He encouraged participants to train diligently in France and run as a cohesive team, dedicating their victory to Kiptum. 

"We wish to ask those who will be in Paris to train hard and run tactically as a team and bring the victory back to Kenya in honour of our departed Kelvin Kiptum," he said.

Additionally, he appealed to Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich to consider employing Kiptum's widow within the county to support the young family, a request President Ruto later revealed he would honour.

Tuwei also mentioned plans to collaborate with the county, Nike, and other partners for an appropriate tribute to Kiptum. 

He thanked President Ruto for backing Kiptum's family and highlighted the government's support, including a furnished house and covering burial expenses. 

"Kiptum's dream was to make sure that a training field is established in Chepkorio. He was a real superstar whose career was on a spectacular upward trajectory," Tuwei recalled while praising Kiptum.

Kiptum voted the world's best male athlete in long-distance running in 2023, tragically lost his life along with coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident on February 11, 2024.

He was laid to rest later on Friday in Naiberi in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where the government built a new home for his family.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei speaking during the burial of Kelvin Kiptum on February 23, 2024. /PCS