The athletic community is mourning the loss of Kipyegon Bett, the talented Kenyan runner who passed away at the age of 26. Bett, who got a bronze medal in the 800 meters at the 2017 World Championships in London, died from complications related to renal and hepatic failure.
Once revered as one of Kenya’s most promising middle-distance runners, Bett’s career started to shine early. He made a name for himself on the world stage after securing victory at the U20 World Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2016. His future appeared bright, and many believed he would continue Kenya’s long-standing tradition of dominance in middle-distance running.
However, Bett’s journey took a sharp turn in 2018 when he was suspended from competition after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a banned performance-enhancing drug. Bett consistently denied using the substance, but the suspension led to a significant setback in his career. His ban lasted until August 2022, but the years away from competition weighed heavily on him, both personally and professionally.
Following his suspension, Bett’s mental health began to deteriorate. His sister revealed that he struggled with depression, which was compounded by an alcohol addiction. Despite completing his doping ban, Bett never fully recovered emotionally or mentally. His personal challenges continued to plague him even as he tried to rebuild his life and career.
Bett was hospitalized in his hometown of Kericho last week, with his condition worsening over the days. He was readmitted to the hospital on Friday, but unfortunately, his body couldn’t overcome the damage caused by his illness.
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His passing shines a harsh light on the struggles faced by many athletes, particularly in the aftermath of a doping scandal. The pressure to succeed, combined with the shame of a suspension, often leads to lasting mental health issues. Bett’s story is a sobering reminder of the toll this sport can take on even the most gifted athletes.
Kenya, despite being a powerhouse in the running world, has faced significant doping scandals in recent years. Since the 2016 Rio Olympics, over 70 Kenyan athletes have been banned for doping offenses, raising concerns about the integrity of the sport in the nation.
This year, the situation has become even more alarming, as Kenya’s Anti-Doping Agency (Adak) experienced a massive budget cut. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently raised concerns with the Kenyan sports ministry after Adak’s operational budget was reduced from $2.32 million to just $155,000. Many worry that this reduction will hamper the country’s ability to address its doping issues effectively, potentially leading to further scandals and damage to Kenya’s sporting reputation.
As the nation reflects on Bett’s tragic passing, it also serves as a moment for introspection—both for the individual struggles athletes endure and for the broader challenges facing Kenya’s athletic integrity. Bett’s talent was undeniable, but his story underscores the importance of supporting athletes not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
