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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.
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RIP CHUMO RIP.
'To honor his contribution to the sport, the County Government of Kericho has proposed the renaming of the Kericho Green Stadium after Kiprugut.'But seriously, did this folks just wake up and realized about his achievements?
I thought anything to do with the elites is done when they are still alive.
If we didn't honor him when he was alive, why do it now?
It's like not helping your parents in live but after they pass away you go all out with burial. It doesn't make sense.
@ Kora Kanini, we all know people who have done great things in life, or change the trajectory for the betterment of humanity have been those that dared to be different-and sacrificed.Those that dared to go against the grain, so to speak.In short, this is to say, we should question some of the rituals, mores, customs,and habits we do "just because we have been doing it for years".Case in point is what we are talking about here.
I totally agree with you that it is better and meaningful to honor, reward,recognize,and support our heroes while they are still breathing.The rest will be left to history keepers.
Last week another sports hero was laid to rest- Philip Wairunge.The man proudly flew the Kenyan flag for years,It was sad to read that he died a pauper.
30 years ago and back, just about all athletes who represented Kenya in various disciplines did it for the love of the sport and the country. When you see all these athlete doping, its for their own selfish reasons. I suggest that any athlete who flew the Kenyan flag before 1985 get some stipends for the rest of their natural life as a thank you for their "services".
Comrade Maxiley,
I agree with you. We should take a leaf from the western world. They take care of their athletes. They pay them well, companies give them endorsements. Schoolers get free scholarships for tuition.
It's doesn't matter what sport they are in. I was surprised that scholarships are given even in bowling.
Wow,that one for bowling surprised me,but again if you see professional play on TV,or live,its amazing. You have to have the skills.
Kwaheli Boiyo.