London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist and 2013 world champion Stephen Kiprotich will not feature in Sunday’s New Delhi Half Marathon in India.
The marathon unfortunately coincides with a sad and grieving period for him and his family after losing his father Kiboi Kiptui.
Mzee Kiptui, 93, breathed his last at about 8 pm on Tuesday, a tragic event that shocked everyone.
The late had been transferred to Kapchorwa Hospital on 27 November and according to Kiprotich was given the necessary attention, doctors confident sure he was recovering.
Kiprotich was expected to return to the spotlight after making 14th at the Rio Olympics games in late August, a feat that him failing to defend his crown – losing to Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge.
However, the athlete will not board any plane and the organisers have since conveyed their heartfelt condolences.
Dilip Jayaram, CEO of Procam International, said: “Kiprotich is one of the friendliest athletes on the distance running circuit.
“He rewrote history in 2012 when he won gold at the Olympics in London, becoming the first in 40 years to win gold for Uganda.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to Stephen on his loss. Our prayers and support are with him and his family during this tough time. We will certainly miss him at ADHM this year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kiprotich’s mother who has been in and out of hospital for the last fourteen years is also critically ill in the same hospital where her husband passed on.
