• Kiprugut is the first Kenyan Olympic medalist to win a bronze at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
• Athletics Kenya described Kiprugut as a truly loveable and kind person who selflessly made the country proud on the global stage.
Image: File
Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has mourned the death of the first Kenyan Olympic medallist Wilson Kiprugut, who won a bronze at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
In a statement on Wednesday, Wetang'ula described him as an athlete who set the pace in Kenya.
"Wilson Kiprugut, our pioneering Olympic legend had his last breath. He put Kenya on the international Athletics map and set the pace for Kenya as a true land of champions. We shall forever remember his prowess. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen," Wetangula said.
Athletics Kenya said the legendary Kenyan sprints and middle-distance runner breathed his last in Kericho county on Tuesday evening after a long illness.
They described Kiprugut as a truly loveable and kind person who selflessly made the country proud on the global stage.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of Kenya's pioneering athletes, Wilson Chumo Kiprugut. The renowned Kenyan sprints and middle-distance legend passed away in Kericho County on Tuesday evening after a long illness. He was 84 years old at the time of his death,” the statement read in part.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and all Kenyan sports stakeholders. We pray that amid your grief, you find comfort in all the happy memories shared.”
Kiprugut made a breakthrough on the international stage after storming to a bronze medal in the 800m race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Four years later Kiprugut struck a silver medal in the two-lap race at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico.
He also stole the headlines with two gold medals in the 400m and 800m at the first All-African Games held in Brazzaville, Congo in 1965.
The following year, he clinched a bronze medal in the 880 yards at the Commonwealth Games held in Kingston, Jamaica.
Kiprugut sealed a slot in the Kenyan team that placed fifth in the 4400 yards at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia.
His teammates in the race included Peter Francis, Seraphino Antao and Kimaru Sonkok.
Kiprugut's nascent talent began to blossom during the East and Central African Championships where he won three 880-yard titles.
His most recent glory came in 2010 when he was named the Kenyan Sportsperson of the Year.