KENYAN STEEPLECHASE STAR JAIRUS BIRECH DIES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS

Kenya is mourning the death of former 3,000m steeplechase sensation Jairus Kipchoge Birech, who passed away on Thursday night, September 18, after a short illness. He was 32.
Family members confirmed that the two-time Diamond League winner died at about 8:30 p.m., though the exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Birech was a dominant force in the water-and-barrier race, winning the 2014 African Championship and the 2014 Diamond League title, and claiming silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His personal best of 7:58.41, set in 2014, ranks among the fastest times ever recorded in the event.
Athletics Kenya and fellow athletes have expressed shock and sadness, hailing Birech as a gifted runner who inspired a new generation of steeplechasers. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.