In Kenya, the mental problems of athletes were noticed. Especially athletes who have been punished for doping stray outside the support networks.
The Kenyan World Cup medalist Kipyegon Bettin the death has alerted the Kenya Athletics Federation to the social problems of athletes. Athletes caught doping in particular drift outside of all support networks. The number of Kenyan athletes suspended for doping is large.
Bett won the bronze medal in the 800 meters at the London 2017 World Championships, but was banned for doping for four years the following year.
In October, 26-year-old Bett died in hospital from the ill effects of alcohol. His kidneys and liver failed him.
– He became depressed and began to use alcohol heavily, Betti’s sister Purity Kirui told the news agency AFP about the death.
Winner of the African Games championship in steeplechase Clement Kemboi was found dead the same day at a training center in western Kenya.
– We cannot ignore this problem. Deaths show athletes face significant financial and emotional problems, Athletics Kenya board member Barnabas Korir summed up the situation.
An alarming situation
In the 2000s, Kenyan runners have achieved huge amounts of success in the Olympic and World Championships, as well as in lucrative road races.
The hunger for success fostered by the background forces of the athletes and the pressure of being able to promote the well-being of the family and the family have at the same time increased the mental load.
In addition to doping, there has been an uproar in Kenya about domestic violence in sports circles, which in the worst cases has led to deaths.
Among others, the javelin world champion takes a stand on the problem Julius Yego.
– The mental health problems of those banned from competition in particular are at an alarming level, Yego states.
– These athletes feel isolated and have to face their problems alone without the support of the federation, manager or coach.
Kenyan police are currently investigating two former runners Samson Kandien and Willy Kipruto deaths.