The late Kelvin Kiptum has been named Sportsman of the Year 2023 in latest awards despite his tragic death early this year.
This was during the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) staged at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Friday, March 1, 2021 wherebthe late marathoner was crowned the winner.
This comes after the late Kelvin Kiptum was buried in his home, Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet in a state precided funeral attended by thousands of mourners.
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According to reports, his contribution to Olympics including breaking Eliud Kipchoge‘s marathon record propelled the win. The 24 year old became the first man to run the 42-kilometer race in under 2:01. He achieved this performance during the Chicago Marathon when he clocked 2:00:35 in October.
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba paused and took a few deep breaths as he announced the late star as the winner of the men’s category.
“This is a difficult one. How I wish he was here to pick this accolade himself.”
In his sad absence, former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau stepped on the floor to pick the accolade from CS Namwamba on the behalf of the fallen athlete’s family.
In the same awards, Faith Kipyegon baggedva hat track of awards beating 5km world record holder Beatrice Chebet and world 800m champion Mary Moraa.
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This comes after Kipyegon bagged three world records last year in her traditional 1500m, the 5,000m and the mile, though the 5,000m record was later broken by Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia and becoming the first woman to win the double of 1,500 and 5,000 metres at the World Championships held in Budapest.
Sportsman of the Year
1. Kelvin Kiptum- Sportsman of the Year (Athletics)
2. Daniel Simiyu (Athletics)
3. Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year
1. Faith Kipyegon (Athletics)
2. Beatrice Chebet (Athletics)
3. Mary Moraa (Athletics)