DEATHS EXPOSE KENYAN MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Athletes face intense pressure to succeed and financially provide for their families

The mental health struggles of Kenyan athletes and a lack of support have come under the spotlight in the East African running powerhouse following a recent spate of deaths.

The country is home to some of the world's top long-distance runners, but the athletics community has struggled with deadly domestic violence and entrenched doping.

Internationally, sports bodies have come to recognize the huge impact of mental health following gymnast Simone Biles and tennis player Naomi Osaka's high-profile public discussion of their own struggles.

In Kenya, however, there are many other underlying issues.

While venerated globally, Kenyan athletes face intense pressure to succeed and financially provide for their immediate and extended families, further adding to their mental strain.

And since 2017, more than 80 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned for doping, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit, leaving them grappling with the financial, physical and mental fallout of bans.