Kipyegon Bett, a former top Kenyan runner, has died at just 26 years of age.
Bett was once a leading athlete, having won major races and a World Championships medal, but his career came to a sudden halt in 2018 after he refused to take a drug test and later tested positive for a banned substance. He was subsequently banned from competition for four years.
His sister revealed that Bett recently became seriously ill with stomach pains and liver issues. On the day he passed away, he was vomiting blood.
Bett reportedly asked his father, a pastor, to pray for him, saying, “I don’t think I will make it.”
He died later that day.
Following his ban, Bett struggled with heavy drinking and depression. His family tried to support him, but he often distanced himself and ran away.
When his ban ended, Bett attempted to revive his running career but was unable to reach the heights of his earlier performances.
Bett’s story is part of a larger concern. Over 70 Kenyan athletes have been caught doping in the past three years. Some critics are worried that Kenya isn’t doing enough to combat doping, especially as the country has reduced funding for its anti-doping agency, which could negatively affect clean athletes.
