Track & Field: Fellow athletes pay respects at Bett's home

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02:05

Sad news from track and field, where the Kenyan athletics fraternity is planning a fitting sendoff for former world champion Nicholas Bett, who died in an accident yesterday. The late 400 meter hurdler's compatriots are expressing shock at his sudden passing, while fondly remembering his contributions to sport in Africa. CGTN's Saddique Shaban has more from Eldoret.

SADDIQUE SHABAN ELDORET "Family, friends, and relatives are slowly coming to terms with the demise of Nicholas Bett, the former 400 meter world champion who died in a road accident on Wednesday morning."

The former Kenyan sprinter was returning home in Eldoret, in Western Kenya, when he met his death in a road accident. He had just represented Kenya in the just-concluded African Athletics Championships in Nigeria. Government officials, friends, and relatives have been paying the family a visit here in Eldoret, condoling with them, terming the fallen athlete a hard-working, god-fearing, yet humble man.

ABEL KIRUI 2009 & 2011 MARATHON WORLD CHAMPION "He was a jovial man. It is really so sad after competing for the country and then heading to his home. It is actually so sad, and it is my sincere deep condolence to the family, and all the relatives of Mr. Bett. I'm sorry for this. Very sorry."

ELIUD KIPCHOGE 2016 OLYMPIC MARATHON GOLD MEDALIST "I am really sorry for the news, but life must continue for the family. Personally, I am praying for the family to really have that big heart to handle the situation."

GEOFFREY KAMWOROR 2017 NEW YORK MARATHON WINNER "We didn't believe it until it was proven that it has happened. So for now, we are mourning, we have lost such a young talent, a great athlete, and an athlete that (had) a bright future."

SADDIQUE SHABAN ELDORET "Nicholas Bett became the first Kenyan in the history of the modern IAAF World Athletics Championships to win gold medal in 400 meter hurdles in 2015 in China during the World Athletics Championships. His remains will be interred next week. Saddique Shaban, CGTN, Eldoret, Kenya."