Former Under-20 athlete Chepngetich is dead

Shock and grief has hit the Kenyan athletics fraternity following the death of Eugene World Under-20 1500m bronze medallist ​​Sheila Chepngetich Keter.

Keter started falling ill last week and was taken to Kapkatet Hospital on Wednesday before being transferred to Nyabondo Missionary Hospital after her situation worsened.

She was later referred Kericho District Hospital where she was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) and died on Sunday at 5:30pm.

Chepngetich had only started training in preparing for her return to competition this year after serving a three year doping ban which ended on February 28, 2018.

She had failed an in competition test in Brussels, Belgium  in 2014.

Commonwealth Games head coach Japheth Kemey who had identified her talent as a junior led the athletics family in her demise.

“It’s so shocking that we’re no longer with Sheila, who had a bright future ahead of her,” he said.

Coach Barnabas Kitilit of Baringo and Bernard Ouma of Rongai Athletics Club also expressed their shock after learning of her death.

“Shocking news to have such a promising and upcoming talent tender soul departed in death. May her soul rest in internal peace,” Kitilit said.

“So sad! She was talented and she’s gone at a very tender age. My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives. May her soul R.I.P,” Ouma said.

Keter has left behind a husband and a five year old daughter.

KETER HONOURS

WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

8th place finish at the U20 Race in Bydgoszcz, Poland (2013)

WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS

3rd place finish 1500M in Eugene, USA (2014)

AFRICAN U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS

2nd place finish 3000M Réduit, Mauritius (2013)

3rd place finish 1500M Réduit, Mauritius (2013)