Kenyan middle-distance runner Kipyegon Bett, once a rising star in athletics, passed away at the age of 26 after a month-long illness. Bett was admitted to Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, Kenya last week after he began vomiting blood.
Bett’s sister, Purity Kirui—a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist—shared that he had been sick for about a month and was receiving outpatient treatment at AIC Litein Hospital.
She explained that he had been experiencing severe stomach pains, and doctors had diagnosed him with a liver condition. Bett had been frequently in and out of medical facilities, and after his condition worsened last week, he was admitted for further treatment. On Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, Bett asked his father, a pastor, to pray for him, sensing that he might not survive. He passed away shortly after noon.
Bett’s athletic career began with great promise. He won the 800-meter title at the 2016 World Under-20 Championships, gaining international recognition. He secured a bronze medal at the senior World Championships in London the following year. However, his career was derailed in 2018 when he received a four-year suspension for testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a performance-enhancing drug.
This ban barred him from competition and had significant personal consequences. At that time, Bett’s accounts, holding around $121,000, were frozen, and he struggled to access these funds even as his health deteriorated. His mother, Sarah Chepkoech Rono, shared that Bett often cried about not reaching the money he had earned through hard work.
Although he attempted a comeback in 2022, his health challenges persisted. His coach, Japheth Kemei, expressed disappointment that Bett could not return to his previous form despite concerted support efforts. Athletics Kenya official Barnaba Korir highlighted the dangers of doping, warning that it can have “catastrophic” consequences for young athletes, both mentally and physically.
Bett’s family has since called for more support for athletes who are affected by doping cases, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and guidance to help them reintegrate into society. As they prepare for his funeral, the family has also appealed for access to Bett’s frozen bank accounts to cover the burial expenses.
The Kenyan athletics community mourns Bett’s loss, remembering him as a gifted runner who faced significant obstacles during his short life.