Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has hailed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) plan to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to protect athletes from cyberbullying during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking to BBC Sports, Kipchoge, who has found himself embroiled in controversy following the tragic death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, voiced his support for the move.
The IOC plans to employ AI algorithms to detect and report harmful content directed towards athletes on social media.
"I think it's the right direction," Kipchoge stated.
"They are now stamping their authority and their function as an organization handling the athletes to safeguard them from abuse," he added.
The decorated long-distance runner expressed his disappointment over the online speculation and unfounded allegations surrounding Kiptum's passing.
"I learned that friendship cannot be forever. I think it's unfortunate that it happened when I'm celebrating over 20 years in sport."
"What happened has made me not trust anybody. Even my own shadow, I will not trust."
Kipchoge speaks on Kiptum's death
Kiptum tragically lost his life in a car accident on February 11, 2024, at the young age of 24.
In the wake of this devastating event, on-air speculations suggested Eliud Kipchoge's involvement in Kiptum's demise.
Kipchoge spoke of the profound shock and dismay he felt at the unfounded allegations against him, labelling them as the most distressing news he had ever encountered.
"I was shocked that people on social media platforms are saying 'Eliud is involved in the death of this boy. That was the worst news ever in my life," Kipchoge said.
The online slander quickly escalated, with threats not only directed at Kipchoge but also at his family and personal assets.
"I received a lot of bad things; that they will burn the training camp, they will burn my investments in town, they will burn my house, they will burn my family," he said.
Kipchoge told BBC Sports that chose not to pursue legal action, prioritizing the safety of his loved ones.
Instead, he implemented heightened security measures, such as escorting his children to and from school, to mitigate potential risks.
The toll of the online abuse weighed heavily on Kipchoge, especially considering its impact on his elderly mother, whose safety he couldn't guarantee amidst the rampant spread of false rumours.
"Where I come from is a local area. And with the age of my mum, I realised that social media can go everywhere. But she gave me courage. It was a tough month."
"If I delete my accounts then it shows that there is something I am hiding," he asserted.
Kiptum's death
Kiptum died alongside his Rwandan coach in a grisly car along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on February 11, 2024.
The 24-year-old athlete was driving the ill-fated vehicle heading towards Ravine when the accident occurred.
Eliud Kipchoge found himself on the receiving end of Kenyans' wrath on February 12, 2024, after penning a heartfelt tribute to deceased athlete Kelvin Kiptum.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World Record Holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum.
"An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness," Kipchoge wrote as he condoled with Kiptum's young family.
"I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time."
