Kenyan Middle-Distance Star Kipyegon Bett Dies at 26 Amid Doping Controversy

The Kenyan athletics community mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away at the age of 26 due to renal and hepatic failure. Bett, a former World U20 Champion and bronze medalist at the 2017 World Championships, was one of the nation’s top middle-distance talents, but his career was tarnished by a doping scandal in 2018, which deeply affected his life and legacy

A Promising Start

Kipyegon Bett emerged as a young prodigy in the athletics world, gaining international recognition after winning gold in the 800 meters at the 2016 World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. His performance at the time was seen as a sign of greatness to come, and many believed he would be among Kenya’s next generation of dominant middle-distance runners​

His rise to prominence continued in 2017 when he secured a bronze medal in the 800 meters at the World Championships in London. Bett was poised to be one of the leading athletes in Kenya, a country renowned for producing world-class runners like David Rudisha and Eliud Kipchoge​

Doping Controversy and Career Decline

However, Bett’s promising career was cut short in 2018 when he was suspended for four years by the World Athletics Integrity Unit after testing positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance that enhances endurance. Despite consistently denying using the drug, the suspension had a severe impact on his career. Bett’s case became part of a troubling trend in Kenyan athletics, which has seen over 70 athletes banned for doping violations in recent years

Kenya’s fight against doping has been ongoing, but despite substantial investments in anti-doping initiatives, the country’s reputation has been damaged. Bett’s suspension coincided with concerns from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which raised alarms about significant cuts to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK)’s operational budget, from $2.32 million to just $155,000. These cuts threaten the effectiveness of Kenya’s anti-doping efforts​

Bett’s suspension ended in 2022, and he attempted a comeback, but his athletic career never fully recovered. His battle with mental health issues, including depression and alcohol addiction, further complicated his return to sports

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Health Struggles and Untimely Death

In the days leading up to his death, Bett was hospitalized multiple times in his hometown of Kericho, experiencing severe health issues, including vomiting blood. After his condition worsened, doctors determined that both his kidneys and liver were failing. Despite medical efforts, Bett succumbed to his illness on October 6, 2024

His passing has left a void in Kenyan athletics, with many lamenting the loss of a talented young man who had the potential for an extraordinary career but whose life was overshadowed by controversy and personal struggles

A Broader Reflection on Kenyan Athletics

Kipyegon Bett’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by athletes who, despite their talent, fall victim to the pressures of professional sports and external circumstances. The broader issue of doping in Kenyan athletics has not only tarnished the country’s international reputation but also placed immense pressure on young athletes like Bett to perform at extraordinary levels

While Kenya remains one of the top nations for producing elite runners, the issue of doping continues to plague the sport. The ongoing cuts to ADAK’s budget raise concerns about whether Kenya can effectively combat the doping crisis and protect future athletes from making damaging choices

Honoring Bett’s Memory

Despite the controversies that marred his career, Kipyegon Bett’s legacy as an exceptional runner cannot be ignored. His achievements at the 2016 World U20 Championships and the 2017 World Championships in London will remain highlights in his athletic career. Bett’s story, though tragic, serves as a lesson for the Kenyan sports community: the need for more robust support systems for athletes, both in terms of their professional careers and their mental and physical health

The untimely death of Kipyegon Bett is a heartbreaking loss for Kenyan athletics, but it also presents an opportunity for reflection and reform. As Kenya grapples with the realities of doping scandals, financial challenges, and the loss of one of its most promising athletes, the hope remains that Bett’s story will inspire the next generation to rise above the pressures of the sport and strive for excellence in a clean, supportive environment.

Moving Forward

Kipyegon Bett’s death has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, not just in Kenya but globally. As Kenya continues to navigate the doping crisis and the challenges facing its athletes, the country must address the structural issues within its sports organizations to prevent further tragedies

The athletics community must come together to ensure that Bett’s legacy is honored, and that future athletes are supported in their personal and professional journeys. Only then can the true potential of Kenyan athletics be realized without the shadow of doping hanging over it.