World-record marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge broke down in tears as he opened up about a distressing incident following rumors circulating on social media linking him to the death of fellow athlete Kelvin Kiptum.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Sports, Kipchoge claimed to have received death threats from online users, a situation that deeply troubled the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
The athlete recounted receiving several messages, including threats targeting his family and his career, leaving him overwhelmed with emotions as he narrated the ordeal at his home in Eldoret.
“All social media claimed, ‘Eliud was involved in this young man’s death.’ I received a lot of terrible things,” Eliud revealed.
According to Kipchoge, his initial response upon receiving the distressing messages was to ensure the safety of his family.
Recalling the incident, the athlete dismissed reports linking him to Kiptum’s death. “It hasn’t happened, but that’s how the world is,” Kipchoge stated.
“I started calling many people; I was very afraid,” Kipchoge recounted.
The two-time Olympic champion disclosed that he had to halt several family activities as a safety precaution.
“I was surprised to see people on social media saying, ‘Eliud is involved in this young man’s death.’ Those were the worst news to ever happen in my life,” Kipchoge said.
The online scandal escalated rapidly, with threats not only directed at Kipchoge but also at his family and personal property.
“I received a lot of terrible things; that they would burn my training camp, burn my investments in the city, burn my house, destroy my family,” he said.
Kipchoge told BBC Sports that they chose not to pursue legal action, prioritizing the safety of their loved ones.
Kiptum tragically passed away alongside his Rwandan coach in a road accident along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on February 11, 2024.
