Eliud Kipchoge is a household name in long-distance running, well known for his exceptional talent and relentless effort to reach greater heights on the track. However, when news broke that Kipchoge did not attend the burial of fellow Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum held on Friday, 23rd February 2024, speculation and rumors began to spread about his absence.
The absence of Kipchoge at Kiptum’s burial was unexpected. It sent shockwaves through the running community and the whole country with endless questions on why the renowned athlete chose not to pay his last respects and sympathize with the family of the fallen fellow athlete. Kiptum tragically met his death in a car accident that claimed his life and that of his couch hakizimana while traveling to their training place at Chepkoria, Kenya. Kiptum’s death was a very big loss to the athletics fraternity worldwide; he left a very big gap that will not be replaced.
Kipchoge is a prominent figure in athletics worldwide, and his absence is puzzling. However, upon closer look into the matter, there may be several reasons behind his decision not to attend the farewell of his fellow. One of the reasons is Kipchoge’s training schedule and commitment to his training as he prepares for upcoming competitions, including the one held in April this year, and his aim to maintain the best performance on the track defending his title. Kipchoge, being a professional athlete, has an unparalleled focus and dedication to his training, and it is possible that he chose to major in his career over attending the burial.
Additionally, Kipchoge and Kiptum’s relationship might be another factor to consider. While the two might have met and interacted on the track, sharing a common respect for each other’s talents, t they were not particularly close friends outside of athletics. In professional athletics, the relationships between athletes can often be related to shared goals and competition rivals, not emotional ones. Kipchoges’ absence at Kiptum’s burial might have been attributed to the nature of their relationship, which was seen as fellow competitors and not close friends.
Furthermore, cultural norms and traditions might also be why Kipchoge was absent. Funerals in Kenya comprise ceremonies that demand quite a significant amount of time from those who attend. Given that Kipchoge was a public figure and the demands of his training schedule, it is possible that he chose to respectfully mourn Kiptum’s passing in private rather than attending the funeral physically.
The reasons behind Eliud Kipchoge’s absence during Kelvin Kiptum’s burial are many and unclear unless clarified by Kipchoge himself. Some people believe his decision is a lack of respect for his fallen colleague. As Kipchoge continues to make more efforts on the track and inspire runners worldwide, his absence at Kiptum’s burial is a clear reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with life in the world of sports as a famous athlete.
