Asaba 2018 LOC, Ogba condoles with Athletics Kenya over Bett’s death – AthleticsAfrica
Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Kenya

Asaba 2018 LOC, Ogba condoles with Athletics Kenya over Bett’s death

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the recently concluded 21st African Senior Athletics Championships, Asaba 2018, have expressed deep shock at the news of the sudden death of Kenyan athlete, Nicholas Kiplagat Bett.

The Chair of the Asaba 2018 LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, chats with officials of Athletics Kenya during the Kenyan team arrival at the Asaba International Airport for the 2018 African Senior Championships - 31 July, 2018. / Photo: LOC
The Chair of the Asaba 2018 LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, chats with officials of Athletics Kenya during the Kenyan team arrival at the Asaba International Airport for the 2018 African Senior Championships - 31 July, 2018. / Photo: LOC

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the recently concluded 21st African Senior Athletics Championships, Asaba 2018, have expressed deep shock at the news of the sudden death of Kenyan athlete, Nicholas Kiplagat Bett.

World 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett passed away on Wednesday morning, a day after returning from Asaba, Delta State where he and his colleagues did Kenya proud to emerge as the overall champions at the continent’s flagship athletics event; a feat the East African country last achieved over three decades ago.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Media and Publicity for Asaba 2018, the LOC Chairman, Solomon Ogba said the sudden demise of Bett was a big blow not just to Kenya but to the rest of Africa.

“We were deeply touched when we heard the news of Bett’s death on Wednesday,” Ogba began.

“Coming at a time when the athletics family in Kenya are still celebrating their heroic performance in Asaba, it is painful that the former world champion is no longer around to savour this magic moment with the rest of his colleagues.” The LOC boss added.

While Ogba is condoling with the athletics family in Africa, he advised that the legacies of Bett must be sustained and the former world champion must be immortalised.

“He was a great son of Kenya and Africa, so I expect that his legacies must be well protected, I pray for his family and his loved ones to have the strength to bear this irreparable loss” Ogba concluded.

According to Nandi police commander Patrick Wambani, Bett died on the spot after the car he was driving veered off the road and landed in a ditch near Lessos along Eldoret-Kapsabet road on Wednesday morning.

The 28-year-old former world champion was the first Kenyan ever to win a World championships gold in the hurdles after his magnificent run in Beijing 2015 IAAF World Championships.

Meet The Authors

Mr Eludini is a Nigerian-based journalist and news researcher with a passion for athletics and football. Tunde is a staff reporter for Premium Times newspaper, and also a regular contributor to AthleticsAfrica.

You May Also Like

RSA

Team South Africa dominated the medals table at the 23rd CAA African Athletics Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

Galleria

Photo Gallery of the 23rd African Athletics Senior Championships, Douala 24 – 21-26 June 2024.

Ethiopia

Fentaye Belayneh led an Ethiopian 1-2 in women's 5000m just like Nibret Melak in the men's 10,000m earlier on Saturday, while Hugues Fabrice Zango...

Nigeria

Nigeria dominated the podium with a clean sweep of the women’s discus throw final at the 23rd CAA African Athletics Senior Championships, Douala 24.

Click to access the login or register cheese