Concern Grows over Kenyan Athlete Kipsang Well-Being

Concerns are growing from friends and the public for the well-being of Kenyan marathon ace Wilson Kipsang.

The former marathon world record holder appeared to be drunk during a TV interview about his recent four year ban in athletics.

Kipsang, who is a policeman, is yet to respond to BBC Sport Africa’s request for a comment about his TV appearance.

Elias Kiptum, a friend of Kipsang’s, told BBC Sport Africa he is concerned about the athlete.

“He’s tried to control his stress by drinking and this is what it has become a worry to us,” he said.

“On his live interview on TV, personally I arrived when the show was already done and if I were to advise to him, I would have requested him not to do the interview in that state.

“I think the biggest issue is not about him listening but that he has gotten himself in with his friends who are more about drinking…”.

The latest incident comes after his arrest with 20 others in April for locking themselves in a bar and drinking alcohol in breach of a curfew imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kipsang’s ban was imposed on 3 July this year for missing four out-of-competition drugs tests.

The 38-year-old broke the marathon world record in September 2013 in Berlin and held the mark for a year until his compatriot Dennis Kimetto went faster a year later in the same race.