What the world will miss about Nicholas Bett, Kenya’s superstar runner who died at age 28

The world is mourning the unfortunate passing of Kenyan track and field athlete, Nicholas Kiplagat Bett.

28-year-old Bett died in a car accident today while driving on a road in Nandi County near Lessos along Eldoret-Kapsabet road. He was travelling to Nairobi.

Bett was driving his grey SUV when it swerved off the road, hit a bump and lost control of his vehicle. He then landed in a ditch.  Bett was pronounced dead when emergency personnel arrived.

Nandi Police Commander Patrick Wambani confirmed the death followed by Bett’s family and friends. Kenyan President Kenyatta also tweeted his condolences.

To his fans and spectators, he was an international 400-meter hurdler and bronze medalist.

To his loved ones, he was the determined former herder who first started practising his jumps with sticks his father formed into home-made hurdles; his first competitors being his siblings.

Multifaceted, Bett played volleyball for the Blue Triangle team after completing school.

Bett’s presence will be missed as a member of the National Police Service in his homeland of Kenya. His soft-spoken nature, humbleness and tenacity will be coveted.

Bett leaves behind a set of twins.