Record-Breaking College Athlete Dies After Being Rushed To Hospital
Former Alabama track star Eliud Kipsang, the 2021 SEC Cross Country Runner of the Year, is dead at 28.
According to a GoFundMe page set up for the former college runner, he was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, on June 6 and died four days later.
“His impact on our program extended far beyond records and championships; he was a beloved teammate, a brother to so many and a dear friend to me, personally,” Alabama track and field head coach Dan Waters said in a press release.
Kipsang won gold medals at the SEC Outdoor Championships in the 1,500m and the SEC Cross Country Championships in 2021. He also broke the collegiate record in the men’s 1,500 m during the 2022 season, and his time of 3:33.74 remains an Alabama record while still among the top five in the nation.
Eliud Kipsang Held Several School Records
The Kenyan holds three school records in indoor and outdoor events—the indoor mile, indoor distance medley relay, and outdoor 1,500—and is ranked in the top 10 in six other events. His exploits on the track helped Alabama win the SEC team cross country title in 2022.
Eliud Kipsang moved from Eldoret, Kenya, to attend school and run for Alabama. He was also a professional runner with Adidas Pro.
“On behalf of the entire Alabama family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones,” Waters added in his statement. “The running community has lost a remarkable soul.”
We at TPS extend our deepest condolences to Kipsang’s family, friends, and loved ones.
May he rest in peace.
