Wilson Kiprugut Chuma, the middle-distance runner and Kenya’s first Olympic medallist at the 1964 Tokyo Games passes away at the age of 84.
Athletics Kenya (AK) hailed Chuma, a former Kenyan army officer, as an “inspiration” to the next generation of the country’s legendary track and field stars.His death was confirmed by Chuma by officials on Wednesday.
Chuma died on Tuesday in hospital in the northwestern Kenyan town of Kericho after collapsing at his home, his family said. “Chuma was one of the foremost athletes to put Kenya on the world map. It’s indeed a sad day for both Kenya and the entire athletics fraternity, He was an exceptional man,” Athletics Kenya chief Jackson Tuwei stated.
Wilson Chuma Kiprugut (1938 – 1 November 2022) was a Kenyan sprinter and middle-distance runner. He competed at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics and won two medals in the 800 metres event; in 1964 he also ran 400 metres, but failed to reach the final.He was the first person from Kenya ever to win an Olympic medal.
Kiprugut grew up in Kericho and began running as a child while at Kaptebeswet Primary School and Sitotwet Intermediate School.His talent was first identified when he ran at the East and Central African Championships – an event where he won no less than three 880-yard titles.
In 2010 he won the Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year award.
Add comment