Track and field world in shock as former World Junior Champion Kipyegon Bett dies aged 26

The track and field world was left in shock after Kenyan middle-distance runner Kipyegon Bett died at the age of 26 on Sunday, October 6. The cause of death is reported to be damage to his liver and internal organs.

A week before his death, Bett was hospitalized at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County where the doctor diagnosed liver issues.

Bett reportedly passed away at 12:40 pm on Sunday (as per Nation). Bett's sister, Purity Kirui, said that the Kenyan runner had previously complained about experiencing severe stomach aches for about a month. She was quoted as saying (via BBC Sport Africa):

"He had been sick, complaining of stomach pains for about a month. The doctors said he had a liver problem and had been in and out of hospital."

Bett, who became a junior world champion in 2016 in the 800m, received a four-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) when he tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO), which is also a part of the prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). His ban started in August 2018.

Following his ban from track and field events, he reportedly became depressed and resorted to alcohol, which ultimately worsened his health. Kirui said (via BBC Sport Africa):

"When Kipyegon was banned he started drinking a lot, wouldn't eat well and suffered depression."

His most notable accomplishment during his career was winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships in the men's 800m, clocking a time of 1:45:21s. He also bagged a silver medal as a crucial member of the 4x800m relay squad at the 2017 World Athletics Relays.

Besides being a world junior champion, Kipyegon Bett also achieved success at the 2015 African Youth Championships where he won the gold in his signature event, recording a time of 1:51.67s. At the World U18 championships in 2015, he collected the silver medal.

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Track and field community mourns the death of Kipyegon Bett

Adam Kszczot of Poland (L), Pierre-Ambroise Bosse of France (C), Kipyegon Bett (R) of Kenya pose for the Men's 800 metres medal ceremony during the IAAF Athletics World Championships London 2017 (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

The track and field community online grieved the loss of Kipyegon Bett and offered their condolences. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Sad to hear about Kipyegon Bett, gone too soon, rest easy champ.”

Another fan shared that Bett was an incredible athlete who will always be remembered. They wrote:

“Incredible athlete, cherished always. Deepest sympathies.”

“Such sad news. My condolences to his family and loved ones,” a user wrote.

The athletics world has lost a few elite stars in 2024, including marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei.