Kenyan athletics mourns former World U20 champion Kipyegon Bett

The Kenyan athletics community is once again in mourning following the untimely death of former world U20 800m champion, Kipyegon Bett. Bett, who won bronze in the 800m at the 2017 World Championships in London, passed away on Sunday at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, where he had been receiving treatment.

Former World U20 Champion and 2017 World Bronze medalist Kipyegon Bett dies aged 26

Bett died on Sunday at at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County where he had been admitted since Monday due to complications from liver damage. pic.twitter.com/Hiv6YjHBlN

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 7, 2024

According to reports, Bett had been suffering from internal organ damage, causing him to vomit blood. He had initially been treated and discharged, but his condition worsened, leading to his readmission. His sister, Purity Kirui, confirmed the tragic news, and Athletics Kenya’s director of youth and development, Barnaba Korir, stated that he has been in touch with the family.

Bett’s body has since been transferred to the Soin Sigowet sub-county hospital mortuary for preservation ahead of burial.

The 26-year-old athlete, who also won silver in the 4x800m relay at the 2017 World Athletics Relay Championships, was banned for four years in 2018 after testing positive for the banned substance Erythropoietin (EPO). He returned to competition in 2022, finishing third in the 400m hurdles at the Third AK Track and Field Meeting, but had not competed since.

Bett's death comes just days after the brutal murder of retired marathoner Samson Kandie, who was killed by unknown assailants at his home in Eldoret on the night of October 3rd. The Kenyan athletics community is reeling from these consecutive losses.