Kenya's First Olympic Medalist Kiprugut Chumo Passes Away

Wilson Kiprugut Chumo, the first Kenyan man to win an Olympic medal, has passed away at the age of 84.

Kiprugut, who clinched bronze in 800m during the 1964 Olympic Games, died in Kericho on Tuesday after battling a long illness, Athletics Kenya (AK) said.

Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei said the octogenarian collapsed at his Kericho home and was rushed to Siloam Hospital where he died.

“This is a huge loss to the country and to the sport of athletics. Kiprugut’s medal from the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo is an extremely precious medal as it was Kenya’s first ever at the Olympic Games and inspired more athletes who were to follow to shine on the Olympic stage,” Tuwei said.

“We at Athletics Kenya join his family in mourning a great legend and hero of our nation and will accord the family all the support they need. I have already informed the Sports Cabinet Secretary of the development and we shall stand with the family as a nation.”

Kiprugut also bagged silver at the 1966 Commonwealth Games before claiming another silver at the 1968 Olympic Games. He also won two gold medals at the 1965 All Africa Games held in Brazzaville, Congo.

To honor his contribution to the sport, the County Government of Kericho has proposed the renaming of the Kericho Green Stadium after Kiprugut.