Kenyan Youth Olympic Gold Medalist Gilbert Kwemoi Collapses, Dies at the Age of 23

Kenyan middle-distance runner Gilbert Soet Kwemoi has passed away.

The 23-year-old athlete is reported to have collapsed at his home on Friday night and was rushed to a hospital in Mount Elgon where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Kwemoi has been training in Iten and Nairobi under National Police Service coach Isaac Kirwa, who confirmed his death.

 “It is true that we have lost him at a young age. He was a promising athlete,” Kirwa told The Standard.

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka in a message of condolence described Kwemoi as a focused and hardworking athlete, saying the country has lost one of the most promising racers.

“Gilbert Soet Kwemoi was a humble, talented, and outstanding sportsman with a bright future,” he wrote.

“My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the people of Mt Elgon, and the entire athletics fraternity during this difficult time,” the speaker said.

Kwemoi won the gold medal in the 1500 meter in 3:41.99 during the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in China. In 2015, he bagged the silver for Kenya at the African Under 20 Championships in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.