A time of 47.79 seconds secured Nicholas Bett the 400 metres hurdles title at the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, marking the first time a Kenyan athlete won a global track event shorter than 800 metres. This performance represented the fastest duration for that distance recorded throughout the entire 2015 global season.
Early Career and National Progression
Born on 27 January 1990 in Kisii, Uasin Gishu County, Bett began his competitive athletics career by reaching the national junior final in 2010. By 2011, he established himself at the senior level, finishing third at the Kenyan Athletics Championships with a time of 50.39 seconds. After an abbreviated 2012 season, he returned in 2013 to secure runner-up finishes at both the national championships and the world trials, setting a personal best of 49.70 seconds.
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Bett earned selection for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the African Championships in Athletics. During the latter event, he earned bronze medals in both the 400 metres hurdles, where he clocked 49.03 seconds, and the 4 x 400 metres relay alongside teammates Mark Mutai, Solomon Buoga, and Boniface Mucheru. In 2015, he expanded his international profile with victories at the Savo Games and Lappeenranta Games held in Finland.
2016 Olympics and Final Years
Following his gold medal success in Beijing, expectations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro were high. Entering with a season's best of 49.31 seconds, Bett's Olympic run ended during the preliminary round. While competing in second place, he tripped over the 10th and final hurdle. Although he finished the heat, he was disqualified, preventing his advancement to the semifinal stage.
Death and Legacy
On 8 August 2018, Bett died in a road accident in Nandi County, Kenya, at the age of 28. Having returned from the 2018 African Championships in Athletics in Nigeria two days prior, he was driving his Toyota Prado SUV along the Kapsabet to Eldoret road when he struck a bump, causing the vehicle to land in a ditch. He was a twin brother to fellow 400 metres hurdler Aron Koech.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 January 1990, Kisii
- Died: 8 August 2018, Eldoret
- Primary Event: 400 metres hurdles
- Personal Best: 47.79 seconds
- World Championship Gold: 2015
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Cause of Death: Road accident
Questions readers ask
What was Nicholas Bett's most significant sporting achievement?
He won the 400 metres hurdles at the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
How did Nicholas Bett die?
He died in a car crash on 8 August 2018 after his SUV hit a bump on the Kapsabet to Eldoret road.
