An athlete with a world bronze medal died tragically. He was not the same after the doping suspension

Kenyan Kipyegon bed winsč bronze medalist in the 800 meters at the 2017 World Championships in London, died on Sunday at the age of 26 of kidney and liver failure, his family announced on Monday.

After being accused of doping, Bett was unable to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Championships, and then fell into depression and started drinking heavily, said his sister Purity Kirui.

The 2016 Under-20 World Champion, Bett was one of Kenya’s most promising middle-distance runners.

Photo: Martin Rickett

But the Athletics World Integrity Unit (AIU) suspended him for čfour years in August 2018 after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO). He always denied that he used this product that promotes blood circulation.

– We tried to encourage him to return to the track after his suspension expired in August 2022, but without success – added his sister.

Bett was first hospitalized in his home town of Kericho (West) a week ago. He was readmitted on Friday after his health deteriorated.

Photo: John Walton

– He had problems with his kidneys, but the doctors realized that his liver also caused problems – said Kirui.

Kenyan athletics has been facing the doping problem for years. Several dozen athletes from this East African country have been under sanctions in the last three years alone.