Former Athletics Champion Kipyegon Bett Dies at 26

Kipyegon Bett, the 2016 World Athletics Under-20 800 meters champion, has passed away at the age of 26.


Bett died on Sunday at 12:40 PM at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, where he had been admitted following a deterioration in his health.

According to his sister, Purity Kirui, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist in the 3,000m steeplechase, Bett had been experiencing health issues for about a month, initially receiving outpatient care at AIC Litein Hospital before being transferred for further treatment on Saturday.

Tragically, Bett reportedly had been vomiting blood due to severe damage to his liver and other internal organs.

Despite appearing to communicate normally earlier that day, he succumbed to his condition later in the afternoon.

Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya’s director in charge of youth and development, expressed condolences, confirming that he had been in communication with Bett’s family.

Bett leaves behind a legacy as a gifted athlete, having earned bronze in the 800m at the 2017 World Championships and silver in the 4x800m relay at the same event.

In 2018, Bett received a four-year ban for the use of performance-enhancing drugs but made a return to competition in 2022, participating in 400m hurdles.

His body has been transferred to Soin Sigowet sub-county hospital mortuary in preparation for burial.