London 2012 Olympics star stabbed to death age 34 as police launch investigation

31 December 2023 , 18:40

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Benjamin Kiplagat, who competed at London 2012, has died aged 34 (Image: Getty Images)

Ugandan long-distance runner Benjamin Kiplagat has been stabbed to death in Kenya, according to local reports.

Police have launched an investigation after the 34-year-old was found dead in a car on Saturday, with stab wounds to his chest and neck. Kiplagat's body was reportedly found near the town of Eldoret in Kenya, which has training facilities for athletes. "An investigation has been launched," said local police commander Stephen Okal. "Officers are on the ground pursuing leads."

Several fans have paid tribute to Kiplagat since the news emerged on New Year's Eve. "Still struggling to come to terms with it," wrote one fan on X, while others said they were "saddened" to hear of his death. "He was a tremendous athlete," added another fan.

World Athletics wrote on X: "World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, team-mates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

Kiplagat, who specialised in the 3000m steeplechase, represented Uganda in several major events during his career - including three Olympic Games. His first appearance at the Olympics came aged 19 in 2008, when he finished ninth in Beijing.

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Kiplagat will be remembered as Uganda's greatest ever athlete in his discipline. His performance at Lausanne in Switzerland in 2009 - which saw him pass the finish line in just eight minutes and three seconds, is Uganda's national record in the 3000m steeplechase.

Kiplagat achieved Uganda's quickest ever time in the 3000m steeplechase (Getty Images)

In fact, only 23 men in history have recorded a quicker competitive time in the event. The 3000m steeplechase, which is the most common distance for the steeplechase in athletics, is an obstacle race. It involves athletes jumping over a barrier into a pit of water.

Kiplagat also competed at the London Games in 2012 and the Rio Games in 2016, but he never managed to win a medal on athletics' biggest stage. He didn't compete at the most recent Olympics in Tokyo in 2021, which were delayed by a year due to Covid.

The Ugandan star took part in the Commonwealth Games in the Indian city of Delhi in 2010. He came narrowly close to winning a medal - finishing fourth behind the Kenyan trio of Richard Mateelong (gold), Ezekiel Cheboi (silver) and Brimin Kipruto (bronze).

Kiplagat did win a silver medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships in Poland, and he won the bronze at the 2012 African Championships in Benin. His final major appearance came at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar, where he failed to win a medal.

Tom Blow