Promising Kenyan Runner Dies in US

Editorial : Reda El Ghazal

Shock spread following the death of 28-year-old Kenyan middle-distance runner Eliud Kipsang last Tuesday. Kipsang passed away in Washington state, USA, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He had initially fallen ill last Friday and was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, where he remained in critical condition until his passing.

Competing for the University of Alabama, Kipsang secured significant recognition within collegiate athletics. He notably set an NCAA record in the 1,500 meters during 2022, clocking an impressive 3:33.74, a record which stood until earlier this year. Later, upon completing his studies, he transitioned to a professional career, signing a sponsorship agreement with Adidas, and was widely viewed as a rising star in Kenyan athletics with strong personal bests in the 800 meters and the mile.

Based in Alabama for both education and training, Kipsang had been preparing intensively for international competition. His passing represents a profound loss to the athletics community, cutting short a career marked by early promise and notable achievements at the NCAA level while he was actively building his professional trajectory in the United States.