The death of Gervais Hakizimana, the late Rwandan coach of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, has left the athletics world in Rwanda and beyond devastated considering his incredible rise to elite coaching in the athletics sport.
Hakizimana died aged 36, together with Kiptum, in a road accident on Sunday, February 11, at 11p.m, at Kaptagat area of Western Kenya heading to Eldoret.
Born in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province, Hakizimana made a significant impact on Rwandan athletics as an athlete and as a coach.
Various members of the athletics fraternity describe the trainer’s passing as a big loss to Rwandan athletics and the globe in general.
Jean Pierre Ndacyayisenga, Rwanda Athletics Federation Technical Director
We are very sad about the news. It's a big loss for the athletics community and the country as a whole.
I have not known him personally but his impact was obvious, appreciated, and a source of pride for our country.
Dieudonné Disi, retired athlete
Hakizimana was the only Rwandan who knew modern athletics. Today's athletics is different from what we did; it involves science and technology. Hakizimana was not just one of the best coaches in Africa, but globally as well.
He was a quiet and soft-spoken man. He was still young, It's hard to accept that he has left us.
The players he coached in Kenya were numerous, and some of them later went on to train with other coaches. He started coaching this kid, Kelvin Kiptum, when he was in primary school.
Marthe Yankurije, female athlete
We played together at APR Athletics club some five years ago. It's a heartbreaking story. I still can't believe he's gone.
He was a very supportive person. I remember when he told me that athletics is a challenging sport that requires hard work and patience, but which, at the same time, can give you life.
He was a great advisor and a motivator.
Hakizimana was on the right path to becoming an exceptional coach, and it wasn't a coincidence that Kiptum chose to work with him. We've lost a legendary athlete.
Claudette Mukasakindi, female athlete
I still can’t believe he is not with us.
He liked to help and he always checked on us and encouraged us not to give up. He was always willing to help everyone that he has known in this athletics ecosystem.
It is so terrible to take the news that a coach of a world marathon record holder has gone this early.