Kenyan former junior world champion dies at 26, as Kipyegon Bett, the 800m specialist, passed away in Bomet, Kenya, following a short illness. Bett, who won the World Under-20 Athletics Championship title in 2016, had been battling health issues for about a month. His sister, Purity Kirui, confirmed that he had been suffering from stomach pains and was later diagnosed with a liver problem. Despite being admitted to the hospital and undergoing treatment, Bett tragically passed away after telling his family that he feared he would not survive.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Kipyegon Bett’s rise to fame came quickly when he won gold in the 800m at the World Under-20 Championships in 2016. The following year, he secured a bronze medal at the senior World Championships in London, showing immense potential as one of the world’s most talented middle-distance runners.
However, the Kenyan former junior world champion dies at 26 after facing significant challenges in his athletic career. His promising future came to a halt in 2018 when Bett was handed a four-year doping ban for refusing to submit a sample and subsequently testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO). This ban derailed his career and had a lasting impact on his mental and physical health.
Struggles After the Doping Ban
Bett’s doping ban not only halted his career but also led to personal struggles. His sister, Purity Kirui, revealed that the ban deeply affected him. “When Kipyegon was banned, he started drinking a lot, wouldn’t eat well, and suffered from depression,” Kirui said. The family attempted to help him seek rehabilitation, but Bett often distanced himself and disappeared from home for days.
Even though his ban ended in August 2022, Bett struggled to make a comeback in athletics. Kirui mentioned that she had tried to support him by providing running gear and shoes in hopes of getting him back on track. Unfortunately, Bett could not fully recover from the mental and emotional toll the ban took on him. Before his death, his family had planned to take him to a rehabilitation center in Kisumu, but it was too late.
A Talented Athlete Lost
Kenyan former junior world champion dies at 26, leaving the sports community mourning the loss of a once-promising athlete. Athletics Kenya official Barnaba Korir described Bett as “one of the most talented half-milers” in the world. He was known for his polite and amiable nature, making his passing even more heartbreaking for those who knew him.
Bett’s former coach, Japheth Kemei, expressed his sorrow over Bett’s untimely death. “He was a gifted athlete who even beat world record holder David Rudisha in a race. That showed he had high potential,” Kemei told reporters. The coach had hoped Bett would return to the sport after his ban, but Bett faced too many obstacles, both personal and professional, to regain his footing.
The Tragic Effects of Doping
Bett’s death also highlights the long-lasting impact that doping scandals can have on young athletes. Kenyan former junior world champion dies at 26, and his struggle serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of doping. Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya’s youth development director, emphasized the mental and physical toll of doping on athletes. “The impact of doping is always catastrophic, especially for a young and inexperienced lad,” Korir said. He called for greater awareness and education to prevent young athletes from falling into the trap of doping.
Kenya has been battling doping issues among its athletes, with over 70 athletes being sanctioned in the last three years. Although the country has made substantial investments in its anti-doping efforts, budget cuts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). The World Anti-Doping Agency has expressed concern over these budget reductions, which could impact Kenya’s ability to combat doping effectively.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite his struggles, the Kenyan former junior world champion dies at 26, leaving behind a legacy of incredible talent and potential. Bett was the fourth of six siblings and took up athletics to follow in the footsteps of his sister, Purity Kirui, a 3,000m steeplechase champion. His rise in the sport inspired many, and his accomplishments at a young age will not be forgotten.
While Bett’s story is one of unfulfilled potential, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures young athletes face and the consequences of doping. His passing is a tragic reminder of the importance of supporting athletes’ mental and physical well-being, both on and off the track.
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