A 20-year-old athlete’s promising career ended in tragedy when Joseph Hussein Njagi collapsed and died on Friday, September 27, after a 3,000-meter race at Kipchoge Stadium, Uasin Gishu County.

Njagi, competing in a scholarship trial, collapsed at the finish line around midday. Despite immediate efforts by athletics officials to save his life, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Uasin Gishu District Hospital.

Police reports stated that Njagi showed signs of distress after completing the race. Medical personnel at the stadium acted quickly, but their efforts were in vain.

Eldoret Police officers were informed, and Njagi’s body was transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for a post-mortem to determine the cause of his death.

Njagi’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s close-knit athletics community, echoing recent tragedies involving young athletes whose careers were abruptly cut short by unexpected health complications.

Just weeks earlier, in mid-September 2024, Kenyan athlete Willy Chelewa collapsed after securing a sponsorship for international races in China. Chelewa reportedly passed away moments after sipping a cup of black tea, underscoring the alarming nature of such incidents.

The rising number of athlete deaths is sparking concern nationwide, with many questioning whether more should be done to safeguard the health of Kenya’s emerging sports stars. For athletes like Njagi, whose participation in trials could be life-changing, the pressure is immense. While maintaining peak physical condition is crucial, some worry that the drive for success may come at a heavy cost.

The Kenya Athletics Federation has yet to release an official statement on Njagi’s passing. However, the broader athletics community has expressed its condolences and urged for thorough investigations into the health risks facing young athletes.

Njagi was among a group of aspiring runners vying for scholarships through stellar performances at Kipchoge Stadium, a renowned training ground for Kenya’s elite athletes.

As the country awaits the results of Njagi’s post-mortem, attention is turning to preventative measures that could protect athletes’ lives. There are growing calls for enhanced health screenings, better on-site medical support, and more vigilant monitoring of distress signals during races.