Who was Benjamin Kiplagat? Olympic long-distance athlete who was stabbed to death

Olympic long-distance runner Benjamin Kiplagat has died. According to local media reports, the 34-year-old athlete, who represented Uganda at three Olympic Games and six World Championships, was found dead in Kenya. Confirming it, Kenyan police in the city of Eldoret said that they have begun a probe into the death of the runner. Kiplagat reached the semi-finals of the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2012 Olympics in London. He won 2008 world junior silver in Poland & 2012 Africa Senior bronze in Benin. Kiplagat had been training in the Eldoret area before going to Uganda to participate in athletics competitions.

World Athletics condoles death

In a statement, World Athletics has condoled his death ad expressed shock. It said, "World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, teammates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time."

Ugandan Minister for Sport sends condolences

Ugandan Minister for Sport Peter Ogwang also expressed his sorrow. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, "I am saddened to hear about the death of our athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat who was reportedly murdered in Kenya."



He wrote, "I send my deepest condolences to his family, Ugandans, and the entire East Africa for the loss of such a budding athlete who has on several occasions represented us on the international scene. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Earlier similar incident

Kiplagat's death follows the killing of Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop in October 2021. She was found stabbed to death at the age of 25 in her home in Iten, a training hub near Eldoret. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, went on trial for her murder last month. The 43-year-old has denied the charge against him and was freed on bail.

FAQs:

Who was Benjamin Kiplagat?
Benjamin Kiplagat was a Ugandan long-distance runner, who reached the semi-finals of the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2012 Olympics in London. He won 2008 world junior silver in Poland & 2012 Africa Senior bronze in Benin.

How did Benjamin Kiplagat die?
Benjamin Kiplagat was found stabbed to death in a car in the Kenyan city of Eldoret, where he had been training.