Kitum, who won bronze in the 800 meters at the London Olympic games in 2012, has played an integral role in building Faith Kipyegon’s iconic career.
Faith Kipyegon has credited her husband Timothy Kitum for playing a crucial role in her rise to greatness.
Kitum, himself an accomplished athlete and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in the 800 meters, stepped away from competitive athletics to become an unwavering pillar of support for his wife.
Kipyegon and Kitum first crossed paths at the 2012 London Olympics, where Kipyegon, still a schoolgirl, was embarking on her own promising career. Reflecting on their meeting, she shared:
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Chepng’etich became the first woman to complete a marathon in under 2:10:10, and Chebet, who broke numerous records in 2024, believes she can lower that mark further by the time she transitions into road racing.
“We met at the 2012 Olympics in London. I was still in school as well. We tried to do our classes, but that is why I say if I was not disciplined, you can fill the dots,” Kipyegon said on Engage talk.
Their bond, built on shared experiences and mutual understanding of the demands of professional athletics, has grown stronger over the years. Together, they are parents to a daughter, Alyn, born in 2018.
Kitum, who turned 30 in November 2024, enjoyed a stellar start to his career. He burst onto the international scene at the 2011 World Youth Championships in Lille, France, and followed it up with a silver medal at the 2012 World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain. His crowning achievement came later that year when he won bronze at the London Olympics in an unforgettable 800-meter final, where David Rudisha set the still-standing world record of 1:40.91.
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Despite his success, Kitum made the selfless decision to step back from the spotlight to support Kipyegon’s burgeoning career. Speaking about his impact, Kipyegon said:
“My husband has been very supportive of what I do in my career. We have come from far. I dedicated my 2016 gold medal to him when he was still my boyfriend, and now he is my husband and father to my daughter.”
Juggling motherhood and a demanding athletics career is no easy feat, but Kipyegon credits Kitum for helping her strike a balance.
“He is a special person. I really thank him for giving me the opportunity to train, not being at home, being in camp for six days, and only spending two days at home is not easy,” she said in an interview with TV 47.
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Kitum’s background as an elite athlete has also enabled him to provide invaluable advice and guidance.
“He understands me. He was a sportsman and won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics, so he knows what it takes. He advises me on what to do because he understands athletics,” Kipyegon explained.
Beyond their professional lives, the couple shares a deep commitment to their family.
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Timothy Kitum (L) and David Rudisha at the 2012 Olympic Games on August 9, 2012 in London [Photo/Courtesy].
“We take a role in taking care of our daughter and loving each other,” Kipyegon said, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in maintaining a stable and supportive environment.
As Kipyegon continues to dominate the 1,500 meters and cement her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, she remains grounded by the unwavering support of her husband. Kitum’s sacrifices and understanding have allowed her to focus on her craft, pushing boundaries and achieving feats that inspire millions.
Together, they exemplify the power of partnership in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.
