Renowned Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge has opened up about the fear and hardship his family endured following the tragic death of fellow marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum, a rising star in the marathon world, died in a car crash at the age of 24 in February. The incident shocked many, as Kiptum was seen as a potential challenger to Kipchoge’s dominance in the sport.
Following Kiptum’s death, rumors and speculation began to spread on social media, with some accusing Kipchoge of being involved in a conspiracy to kill Kiptum.
“I was shocked to see people on social media saying that I was involved in the death of this young man,” Kipchoge revealed in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. “It was the worst news I’ve ever received.”
The false accusations didn’t stop there. Kipchoge faced threats against his family and property, with some even threatening to burn down his training camp and investments.
“People were saying they would burn my house, my training camp, everything,” Kipchoge said. “It was a really scary time for me and my family.”
Kipchoge’s main concern was the safety of his family. He took immediate steps to ensure their security, including dropping off and picking up his children from school himself to avoid any potential risks.
“My biggest fear was for my children,” Kipchoge said. “They were scared too, especially hearing those terrible things about their dad.”
The impact of the false accusations extended beyond just his family. Kipchoge lost the majority of his friends as a result of the rumors and abuse he faced online.
“It was really tough losing so many friends,” Kipchoge admitted. “But my main focus was on protecting my family and staying strong through it all.”
Despite the challenges, Kipchoge found solace in the support of his mother, who encouraged him to stay strong in the face of adversity.
“It was a tough time, but my mother’s support gave me courage,” Kipchoge said. “She reminded me that I had to stay strong and keep moving forward.”
Kipchoge’s experience serves as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the importance of supporting those who are unfairly targeted by false accusations.
