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Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has revealed how false online accusations upended his life following fellow Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum’s tragic death. Kiptum, 24, died in a car crash on February 11, 2024, alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, sparking national mourning.
Kipchoge said rumours on social media falsely linked him to the crash, leading to threats against him and his family. “I opened my phone and everywhere claimed I killed Kiptum. I was down, down to my knees,” he recalled. He struggled to understand why anyone would accuse him of harming a younger athlete with only three years in professional running.
The threats forced his family to change routines, including how his children traveled to school. Kipchoge also said the accusations took on tribal dimensions despite his decades-long stance against ethnic divisions. He found comfort that his children remained largely shielded from the controversy and drew strength from his mother’s reassurance during the ordeal.
The experience, Kipchoge said, taught lessons about resilience, truth, and friendship. He urged people to stay steadfast in difficult times and to surround themselves with genuine supporters. “Few people called me; few came to my camp. But the real friends were with me,” he said.
Looking forward, Kipchoge remains focused on inspiring millions through sport. He emphasized the importance of truth, perseverance, and using running to positively impact lives across the globe.
