Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has opened up on his experience after the death of marathoner Kelvin Kiptum.
Speaking during an interview with BBC, Kipchoge said he was shocked to see social media users linking him to Kiptum’s death.
He revealed that he received threats of his family and property being burned down.
“I was shocked that people on social media platforms are saying 'Eliud is involved in the death of this boy'. That was the worst news ever in my life.
“I received a lot of bad things; that they will burn the training camp, they will burn my investments in town, they will burn my house, they will burn my family,” Kipchoge narrated.
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The renowned marathoner noted that he feared going to the police to tell them his life was in danger and opted to ask his family to be extra cautious.
Kipchoge noted that he was forced to stop using a motorbike to drop off and pick up his sons from school.
"I got really scared of my children going to school and coming back. Sometimes they bike around, but we had to stop them because you never know what will happen,” he stated.
Further, Kipchoge disclosed that he changed his training venues and even lost about 90 percent of his friends.
“My worst moment was when I tried to call my mum and she told me to take care,” Kipchoge added.
Kiptum died on 11 February 2024 after being involved in a road crash. He died alongside his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana.
He was buried on 23 February 2024 in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
