Kenyan Athletics Legend Ben Jipcho Dies

Kenyan athletics legend Ben Jipcho has passed away.

The 1972 Olympics 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist died on Friday morning at Fountain Hospital in Eldoret, where he was receiving treatment for the past three days.

Jipcho’s death was confirmed by his daughter Ruth Jipcho, who divulged that he died at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at 3 am.

“Our father had been sick for a while. He lost the battle at 3.00 am in the morning,” said Ruth.

She said doctors informed the family that Jipcho, 77, succumbed to multiple organ failure.

Jipcho was first rushed to Crystal Hospital in Kitale last week after he developed stomach complications before he was referred to Eldoret after his condition worsened.

Jipcho bagged gold medals in both 5000m and 3000m steeplechase races in addition to a bronze medal in 1500m at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

He also won gold medals in both 3000m steeplechase and 5000m at 1973 All Africa Games held in Lagos, Nigeria.