Gervais Hakizimana was a Rwandan athletics coach known for his work with world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
He was born on September 5, 1987, and tragically passed away in a car crash at the age of 36.
Hakizimana’s coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, focus, and hard work, which was evident in his work with Kiptum and other talents.
He played a significant role in guiding Kiptum to his remarkable achievements in marathon running, including the world record.
Hakizimana’s coaching career and his impact on the running community were widely recognized following his untimely death.
Age, height and weight
Hakizimana was 36 years old at the time of his death in a car crash on February 11, 2024.
He was described as having a slim and muscular physique, typical of a long-distance runner and weighed 65 kg (143 lb).
Ethnicity and nationality
Hakizimana was a Rwandan national, born on September 5, 1987, in Nyaruguru district in the Northern Province of Rwanda.
Wife and children
Hakizimana was married to Joan Chelimo, who is also a professional runner and a former Kenyan national champion in the 10,000m event.
The couple met in Kenya, where they trained together and fell in love. They got married in 2018 and had two children, a son and a daughter.
They lived in in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where they had a farm and a house. They were a happy and supportive couple, who shared a passion for running and coaching.
Joan was also coached by Hakizimana, and she improved her personal bests in the 10km and half marathon events under his guidance.
After Hakizimana’s tragic death in a car accident, Joan Chelimo expressed her deep grief and the plans they had as a family, including relocating to France.
Career
Hakizimana was a successful long-distance athlete, representing APR athletics club and the national team, before transitioning to coaching and talent scouting around 2008.
Hs started his coaching career in his home country of Rwanda, where he worked with young athletes to develop their skills and prepare them for national and international competitions.
Hakizama quickly gained a reputation for his ability to identify talent and nurture it to its full potential.
In 2016, he was recruited by the Kenyan Athletics Federation to work as a coach at the High Altitude Training Centre in Iten, Kenya.
There, he worked with some of the world’s top marathon runners, including Kelvin Kiptum, who would become his most successful protégé.
Under Hakizimana’s guidance, Kiptum went on to break the men’s marathon world record in 2023, with a time of 2 hours, 1 minute and 23 seconds.
Hakizimana’s coaching philosophy was based on the belief that every athlete has the potential to achieve greatness, as long as they are willing to put in the work.
He emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, and he was known for his tough training regimens and attention to detail.
Hakizimana died tragically in a car accident on February 11, 2024, along with Kiptum, his most successful athlete. Despite the tragedy of their deaths, Hakizimana’s legacy as a coach lives on.
He will be remembered for his passion, dedication, and commitment to his athletes, and his influence on the sport of athletics will be felt for years to come.
FAQ
What was Gervais Hakizimana’s coaching philosophy?
Hakizimana’s coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, focus, and hard work, which was evident in his work with Kelvin Kiptum and other talents.
What was Gervais Hakizimana’s most successful achievement as a coach?
His most successful achievement as a coach was guiding Kelvin Kiptum to break the men’s marathon world record in 2023.
What was Gervais Hakizimana’s cause of death?
Hakizimana died in a car crash on February 11, 2024, along with Kelvin Kiptum.
Where was Gervais Hakizimana born?
He was born in Nyaruguru district in the Northern Province of Rwanda.
Was Gervais Hakizimana a professional athlete?
Yes, Hakizimana was a successful long-distance athlete, representing APR athletics club and the national team, before transitioning to coaching and talent scouting around 2008.
Who was Gervais Hakizimana’s wife?
He was married to Joan Chelimo, who is also a professional runner and a former Kenyan national champion in the 10,000m event.
What was Gervais Hakizimana’s impact on the running community?
Hakizimana’s impact on the running community was significant, particularly in his work with Kelvin Kiptum and other young talents.
He was widely recognized for his ability to identify and nurture talent, and his coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, hard work and perseverance.