Kelvin Kiptum was a Kenyan athlete and the fastest marathon runner in history.  He is the only one to run a record-eligible marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute. He ran three of the seven fastest marathons in history, all of which he won including two top-tier World Marathon Majors. He was ranked first among the world’s men’s marathon runners and is considered by many one of the greatest athletes in African history. Here is how Kelvin Kiptum attained his title as the fastest marathon runner in history.

Kelvin Kiptum Biography

Kelvin Kiptum was born on 2 December 1999, as the only child of his father Samson Cheruiyot, and his wife.  He grew up in Chepsamo village, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County of Kenya. Together with nearby counties of Kenya, the region is known as the birthplace of many renowned Kenyan runners and also as a mecca for foreign runners.

As a young boy, Kiptum herded his family’s cattle and began following other barefoot runners along the forest trails.  According to Kiptum in a BBC interview, His interest in running came from watching his cousin, a runner who often worked as a pacemaker for Ethiopian great Haile Gebrselassie. His family was however not thrilled with the choice of his career.

Kiptum started training as a professional runner in 2013 at the age of 13.  In the same year, he participated in his first half marathon, the Family Bank Eldoret Half Marathon in  Kenya, finishing 10th place and  12th  place the following year. He continued to participate in the Half Marathon until he took his victory in 2018 winning the race with a record time of 62 minutes, 1 second.

Kelvin Kiptum Career

Kiptum began his professional career on the international stage at the Lisbon Half Marathon, Portugal, in March 2019, where he finished fifth in  59 minutes, 54 seconds. He participated also in six other races that year touring north and west Europe,  and winning the tough Kass Half Marathon, back in Kenya in the same year. Throughout 2020 and 2022, he participated in numerous half-marathons including the Spanish Valencia Half Marathon, where he ran 58 minutes 42 seconds, taking sixth place. He won a half marathon in Lens, France in 2022.

In December 2022, Kiptum grabbed the attention of the whole world when he pulled off an upset when debuting in the classic 42.195 km distance at the Valencia Marathon. He took the victory with the fourth-fastest time ever of 2:01:53, becoming the third man in history to break two hours and two minutes Marathon record.  He also set the quickest second half in marathon history with a time of 60:15. His winning time was by far the fastest marathon debut in history, smashing the course record by over a minute.

In his debut at the World Marathon Major at the London Marathon in April 2023, Kiptum shocked the world again by winning the race with the second-fastest mark in history at 2:01:25, a course record that was only 16 seconds outside the world record. He beat Geoffrey Kamworor, a veteran Kenya athlete, by nearly three minutes and set the record for the quickest half in a marathon.  Participating in his second World Marathon Major at the Chicago Marathon on 8 October 2023, Kiptum set a new world marathon record, winning the race within a record time of two hours and 35 seconds.

Death

On the 11th of February 2024, Kelvin Kiptum alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana reportedly passed away in a road accident in Kaptagat, Kenya. The  Local police stated that Kiptum lost control of his car and veered off the road, before entering a ditch and colliding with a tree. The news of his death was reported across all international media, with tributes pouring in from renowned people and entities all over the world.

Kenyan President William Ruto in his tribute stated that “Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.” He later ordered a house to be built for Kiptum’s family, to be completed within a 40-day mourning period.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe in his tribute remarked: “On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates, and the Kenyan nation. It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

Former marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time.

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Helene De Pourtales was an American-born Swiss sailor who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris representing Switzerland and became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal, paving the way for other women to compete at the Olympics. Here is how Helene broke every patriarchal barrier to become the first Female Olympic Champion.

Biography

Helene De Pourtales was born on April 28, 1868, in New York City to Henry Isaac Barbey and Mary Barbey. Her father was a financier and a director of the Buffalo, Rochester, and Pittsburgh Railway. Her maternal grandparents were American Business magnates, who made their fortune as the founders of P. Lorillard and Company, an American Tobacco Company.

According to historian reports, the life of the young Hélène revolved around clothes, formal dinners, balls, and handsome cavaliers. She had lived in Bellevue since childhood because, according to her father, the climate at Lake Geneva was better suited for family life than the coal-dust-choked metropolis of New York.

From an early age, Helene had followed the sporting activities of Baroness von Rothschild on the water. The Baroness was sometimes accompanied by a ‘kindly, amiable’ lady: Empress Elisabeth of Austria. So it was inevitable that Hélène would be interested in boating, especially as it was also the number one topic at the soirées she attended. Instead of steamers, however, she opted for sailing boats.

In 1891 Helene married Hermann de Pourtalès. With her husband, she participated in numerous regattas, not just on Lake Geneva but also around Cannes. Hélène was a very experienced sailor, spending every summer on the lake and training in Newport in the off-season. She also attended the America’s Cup, in which yachtsmen had vied for the trophy known as the ‘Auld Mug’ since 1851.

Olympic Victory

The 1900 Summer Olympics also known as Paris 1900, was scheduled to take place from 14 May to 28 October as part of the World Exposition in France. For the first time, women were allowed to compete in the multi-sport event. However, only five disciplines  – golf, tennis, sailing, croquet, and equestrianism were opened to women.

After achieving a string of victories in Switzerland, Hélène and Hermann de Pourtalès registered for the Games with their sailboat Lerina. So it came about that Hélène was among the first female competitors at the Olympic Games. She served on the boat crew as a Skipper, her husband was the helmsman, and her husband’s nephew Bernard was also a member of the crew.

The race started on 20 May in Meulan. All boats weighing less than 10 tons had to complete the race to be allowed to sail in their respective category in the succeeding days. Helene and her crew won the gold medal in the first race of the 1–2 ton class and the silver medal in the second race of the 1–2 ton class. They also participated in the open class but did not finish.

The Paris 1900 Games featured several other historic feats for other women around the world, including Great Britain’s Charlotte Cooper who became the first female individual champion in Olympic history with her victory in the tennis competition, and  Margaret Abbott who became the first female American to win gold at the Games.

Death and Legacy

Hélène de Pourtalès’s Olympic victory brought her little fame in the world of sports and among the Geneva aristocracy. She was however unknown throughout the rest of the world,  as sports was then considered only a masculine domain.  In addition, Hélène’s international sporting career was limited to the Olympic Games of 1900.

Helene and her husband lived together until 1904  when Hermann died on 9 July, leaving behind a considerable legacy worth more than six million US dollars. She however passed away in Geneva at the age of 77  in 1945 in complete anonymity.

However thanks to 21st century historians, Helene is now globally recognized as one of the people who paved the way for women to compete at the Olympic Games and the first Female Olympic Champion.

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EPL Golden Boot winners without an EPL Trophy, point out to a distinctive group of footballers who have excelled in scoring goals yet have remained elusive to the grandeur of the English Premier League Trophy. This remarkable assemblage bears witness to the dual narrative in English football, where individual brilliance often thrives, despite the absence of collective team success. The EPL Golden Boot winners without an EPL Trophy are emblematic of this intriguing paradox, reminding us that, in football, personal achievement can be a solitary triumph in a world defined by collective glory. However, this is the list of players that have won the EPL Golden Boot with an EPL Trophy.

1. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a prolific EPL striker, was the first to win the Golden Boot without claiming an EPL trophy. In the 1998/1999 season with Leeds United, he shared the Golden Boot with Dwight Yorke, both scoring 18 goals. However, Leeds fell short of the EPL title. Hasselbaink’s goal-scoring continued at Chelsea in the 2000/2001 season, winning him another Golden Boot with an impressive 23 goals. Yet, Chelsea couldn’t secure the EPL trophy. His unique distinction underscores the balance between individual brilliance and team success in football. Despite missing out on EPL team titles, Hasselbaink’s impact on English football remains celebrated, and he holds a significant place in EPL history for his remarkable goal-scoring abilities and unique achievements.

2. Kevin Phillips 

Kevin Phillips, another name etched in English Premier League (EPL) history, is celebrated for his prolific goal-scoring prowess. His legacy carries a unique distinction: Phillips won the Golden Boot in the 1999/2000 season, despite Sunderland’s inability to clinch an EPL trophy, despite his astounding 30-goal tally.

Phillips’ remarkable achievement took place during his time with Sunderland, a club that had a memorable 1999/2000 season largely due to his goal-scoring heroics. Those 30 goals earned him the Golden Boot, an honor typically bestowed upon players from EPL-winning teams. Yet, despite his exceptional form, Sunderland’s remarkable campaign didn’t result in EPL glory.

Phillips’ extraordinary scoring ability left an indelible mark, making him a hero to Sunderland fans. While his career lacked an EPL title, he remains celebrated in English football for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and unique distinction as the EPL’s top goal-scorer in a season marked by individual brilliance overshadowing collective success.

3. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan football sensation, is the third player in the history of the English Premier League (EPL) Golden Boot winners who failed to secure an EPL trophy despite their prolific goal-scoring. Suarez’s extraordinary abilities were on full display during his tenure at Liverpool in the 2013/2014 season, where he scored an astounding 31 goals, earning him the Golden Boot accolade. However, Liverpool narrowly missed winning the EPL title, finishing as runners-up.

Suarez’s unique distinction emphasizes the delicate balance between individual excellence and team success in football. His remarkable goal-scoring achievements continue to be celebrated, even though he did not clinch an EPL championship during his time at Liverpool. His legacy stands as a testament to the intriguing interplay of personal accomplishment and collective triumph in the captivating world of football.

4. Harry Kane

Harry Kane, a prolific English striker born in Walthamstow, London, has ascended to football stardom as one of the game’s top talents. His journey commenced at Tottenham Hotspur, where he emerged as the club’s key figure. Kane’s remarkable goal-scoring abilities, marked by precision and power, have earned him numerous accolades, including the English Premier League’s (EPL) Golden Boot, which he won three times (2015/16, 2016/17 and 2020/21).

Despite his individual success, Kane didn’t secure a major club trophy with Tottenham Hotspur, a fact that adds an intriguing layer to his career.  Although, Harry Kane has moved to Bayern Munich.

Kane’s story symbolizes dedication, hard work, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence in football. His reputation as one of England’s finest strikers is well-established, and his quest for both individual and team achievements continues to captivate the footballing world.

5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a renowned and versatile goal-scorer born in Laval, France, has made a significant impact in the world of football. From his early days in Ligue 1 to his standout performances at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, his incredible pace, finishing ability, and adaptability as a forward earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s premier talents, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot.

However, Aubameyang’s career took a new direction when he joined Arsenal in the English Premier League (EPL) in 2018, becoming the club’s captain. His prolific goal-scoring was instrumental in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory in the 2019/2020 season.  In 2018/19 which is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first year, he won the EPL Golden Boot with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah all scoring 22 goals each.

However, despite his individual success, the EPL title remained elusive for Aubameyang during his time at Arsenal. This unfulfilled quest for EPL glory adds an intriguing layer to his illustrious career. Aubameyang’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence in football, as he continues to chase both personal and team achievements in the footballing world.

6. Son Heung-min

Son’s footballing rise began in Germany’s Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, but it was at Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL) where he truly left an indelible mark. His extraordinary pace, goal-scoring prowess, and adaptability in various attacking roles quickly gained him recognition as one of the EPL’s top talents. Son is renowned for his remarkable ability to find the back of the net consistently, an achievement that earned him the Premier League Golden Boot award during the 2021/2022 season.

However, amidst his individual success, an EPL trophy has remained elusive for Son. Despite his prolific goal-scoring and significant contributions to Tottenham Hotspur, he has yet to secure the EPL title. This notable absence of a league championship adds a poignant layer to Son’s career.

Son Heung-min’s journey exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in football. He made history as the first Asian player to win the Golden Boot in the EPL, and his quest for EPL team success remains an ongoing narrative, a testament to the complex interplay between personal achievement and collective glory in the world of football.

Other Facts about EPL Golden Boot Winners

• Alan Shearer is the first EPL player to win the EPL Golden Boot three times while playing for two different teams. The premier league Hall of Fame Star won the Golden Boot with Blackburn Rovers (1994/5 (34 goals), 1995/96 (31 goals), and also with Newcastle (1996/97 (25 goals).
• The French striker Thierry Henry is the only player in the EPL history to have won the EPL Golden Boot four times. He won it in 2001/02 with 24 goals, 2003/04 with 30 goals, 2004/05 with 25 goals, and in 2005/06 with 27 goals.
• Erling Haaland is the only  EPL Golden Boot winner to score 36 years, he did this in 2022/23.
• Son Heung-min is the only player from Asia to win the EPL Golden Boot.
• Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah are the only players to have won the EPL Golden Boot.
• 2018/ 2019 is the only time the EPL Golden Boot Award has been shared by three players from the same continent (Africa) (Sengal (Mane), Salah (Egypt), and Aubameyang (Gabon).

African Brands sponsoring an EPL Team

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