ELDORET, Kenya – Former Ugandan Olympic athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat, was tragically stabbed to death in Kenya at the age of 34. The incident occurred near Kimumu Secondary School on the outskirts of Eldoret along Eldoret-Iten Road. Kiplagat, who had represented Uganda in three Olympic Games and six world championships in the 3000m steeplechase, was found inside his brother’s car with deep knife cuts to the neck and chest.
Kiplagat was a well-decorated athlete with a 17-year running career. He won silver in the steeple at the World U20 Championships in 2008, and he also made it to the final at the Beijing Olympics. Furthermore, he was a semifinalist at the London Games and competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Kiplagat had not raced since 2021, with his personal best being 8:03.81 in a runner-up finish at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne in 2010. His average time in the top 10 of his 93 career performances was 8:10.51.
The tragic news of Kiplagat’s death has shaken the athletics community, with World Athletics expressing shock and sadness. His death is currently under investigation and details surrounding the incident remain unclear. Kiplagat had been training in the area and was reportedly planning to return to Uganda to begin competing. His significant contributions to the sport and his achievements on the track have left a lasting impact on the athletic community.
Kiplagat’s death marks a devastating loss for the athletic world. His remarkable career and international representation have solidified his legacy as a respected and admired athlete. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently being investigated, and the authorities are working to piece together the events leading to the tragic incident.