Athletics Coach Dies After Training In Iten

Confirming the incident, Keiyo North Police boss Fred Ochieng said coach Mathew Basil Clifford had taken his countryman and athlete Ethan Michael through the one-hour morning training session at the High Altitude Training Centre in Iten that began at 5am.

Ochieng said the 70-year-old Canadian collapsed and died outside his trainee’s house after successfully completing the session.

The police boss said the body has been moved to Iten Referral hospital mortuary as investigation to ascertain the cause of death go on.

Athletes and coaches in various camps in Iten, led by Demadona camp coach Joseph Cheromei, have expressed their shock as they ask police to carry out thorough investigations into the matter.

 “The death of coach Mathew Basil is a big blow to athletes and coaches in this county. Police should launch investigations to determine the cause of his death,” said Cheromei.

The coaches also sent messages of condolences to friends and family of the deceased during these trying times.

By Benjamin Wafula