Kenyan 800m Medalist Kipyegon Bett Dies at 26 from Kidney and Liver Failure
Kenyan middle-distance runner Kipyegon Bett, a former world bronze medalist in the 800 meters, passed away at the age of 26 due to kidney and liver failure. Bett’s promising career was cut short in 2018 when he was banned for four years by the World Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO).
Despite denying the use of performance-enhancing drugs, Bett’s ban prevented him from competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Championships. His sister, Purity Kirui, revealed that Bett struggled with depression and alcohol abuse following his suspension.
In the days leading up to his death, Bett was hospitalized in his hometown of Kericho with kidney problems. His condition worsened, and he was readmitted to the hospital on Friday. Doctors discovered that his liver was also failing, and despite treatment, both organs failed, leading to his passing on Sunday morning.
Bett’s death is a tragic loss for Kenyan athletics. He won the world Under-20 800m title in 2016 and the bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships. He also triumphed in the Shanghai Diamond League meet in 2017, defeating compatriot David Rudisha, the Olympic gold medalist and world record holder.
Kenya’s reputation as a track and field powerhouse has been tarnished by numerous doping scandals. In the past three years alone, approximately 80 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned. Bett’s death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of doping and the need for a clean and fair sport.