Kenyan former world 800-meter bronze medalist Kipyegon Bett died on Sunday at the age of 26 from kidney and liver failure, his family said.
Bett, once considered one of Kenya’s most promising middle-distance runners, was banned by the World Athletics Integrity Unit in 2018 for four years after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance erythropoietin (EPO).
He denied ever using the drug, but the ban kept him out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 world championships.
The ordeal took a toll on Bett, leading to depression and heavy drinking. Despite encouragement from his sister, Purity Kirui, he struggled to regain his motivation after the suspension ended.
Bett was admitted to a hospital in his hometown of Kericho a week before his death. While initially discharged, his condition worsened, and he was readmitted on Friday.
The doctors discovered that both his kidneys and liver were failing. Despite medical intervention, Bett passed away on Sunday morning.
Bett had achieved significant success in his career, winning the world Under-20 800m title in 2016 and securing a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships.
He had also demonstrated his talent in the Shanghai Diamond League meet in 2017, defeating a strong field that included compatriot David Rudisha.
Unfortunately, Bett’s death adds to a growing list of doping scandals that have tarnished Kenya’s reputation as a track and field powerhouse. Over 80 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned in the past three years alone.
