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In the realm of athletics, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Kelvin Kiptum - a young man whose meteoric rise in the sport of marathon running captivated hearts and minds worldwide. With each stride, he defied expectations and shattered records, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loved. We mourn his untimely passing, as Kelvin, aged 24 and a father of two young children, sadly died in a tragic car accident along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, Kiptum’s Rwandan coach. Zepp Health reflects on the extraordinary achievements that defined his all-too-brief career when the sporting world had just begun to know him and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

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Kelvin Kiptum's journey to greatness began with a series of unprecedented triumphs on the world stage. In Valencia in December 2022, he stunned the running community by claiming the title of the fastest debut marathoner in history - an accolade that foreshadowed the remarkable feats to come. His dominance only grew from there, as he conquered the streets of London and Chicago, each time rewriting the record books with unparalleled speed and determination.

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It was in Chicago where Kiptum etched his name into the annals of sporting history, shattering the revered marathon world record previously held by the legendary Eliud Kipchoge. With a time of 2:00:35, he not only surpassed Kipchoge's mark but also cemented his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners of his generation. His achievements were nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of greatness.

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Yet, for all his success on the roads, Kelvin Kiptum remained humble and grounded - a testament to his character and upbringing. Born into a farming family in Kenya's Rift Valley, he understood the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. His journey from humble beginnings to global prominence served as an inspiration to millions, both within Kenya and beyond its borders.

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Tragically, Kelvin's life was cut short before he could fulfil his next ambitious goal: breaking the elusive two-hour mark in the marathon. He was due to attempt this feat at the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon, a challenge that he approached with characteristic humility and determination.

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In the wake of his passing, we are reminded not only of Kelvin Kiptum's unparalleled talent but also of the humble partnerships that accompanied his journey. Amazfit, a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health, stood beside him as he pursued his dreams. We appointed him as Zepp Health's Amazfit brand ambassador in January 2024. As an Amazfit Athlete, Kiptum was utilizing the Amazfit Cheetah Pro to manage his training and race performance, and the Amazfit Helio Ring to optimize his recovery, ahead of the Rotterdam Marathon and Paris Olympics. Through this collaboration, Kiptum found support and resources that aided him in his quest for excellence. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact on us, the sporting communities, and the world of athletics will endure for generations to come.

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In honoring his memory, let us celebrate his extraordinary achievements and the spirit of resilience that defined his journey. In the words of Kelvin Kiptum himself, "Together, we are set to redefine what's possible."

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In loving memory and with deep sympathy,

The Zepp Health Family

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Video courtesy of World Athletics