‘I Lost About 90% Of My Friends Due To Wrongful Link To Kiptum's Accident’-Kipchoge

 By BBC

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge shares his distress over being wrongly associated with the tragic death of fellow Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, expressing fears for his family's safety amid a campaign of online abuse.

Kipchoge recounts feeling shocked and helpless as social media rumors linked him to Kiptum's demise, prompting threats against his family and property. 

Despite the emotional toll, he refrained from altering his training routines but admits to a significant loss of trust and friendships due to the false accusations.

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The abuse took a toll on Kipchoge's performance, as evident in his lowest finish in the Tokyo Marathon and subsequent struggles. 

However, he remains determined to make history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming for a third consecutive gold medal.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Kipchoge underscores the inadequacy of social media platforms in addressing abuse and welcomes initiatives by the International Olympic Committee to protect athletes online. 

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Nonetheless, he laments the lasting impact on his trust in others, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and support within the sporting community.