The local athletics fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Kenya’s first-ever Olympic Games medallist, Wilson Kiprugut Chumo.
Athletics Kenya (AK) confirmed in a press release that the legendary Kenyan sprints and middle-distance sensation breathed his last in Kericho County on Tuesday evening after a long illness. The veteran athlete was 84 years old at the time of his death.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of Kenya’s pioneering athletes, Wilson Kiprugut Chumo. 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.
AK described Chumo as a truly loveable and kind person who selflessly made the country proud on the global stage.
“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,” the national governing body added.
The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Paul Tergat also paid tribute to the fallen hero, describing him as a trailblazer who opened the way for Kenyan athletes to establish the country’s rich tradition and status within the Olympic movement.
“His death is even more painful considering that it was only recently during the extraordinary Olympics celebrations in Tokyo where he earned his Olympic medal,” said Nock in a statement.
“As we celebrate this icon, we note with pride that his legacy is immortalised as our athletes continue the winning tradition he established. We join the family and the rest of the sporting fraternity in mourning this great athlete and pray for God’s comfort and strength to bear.”
Chumo wrote a new chapter in history by becoming the first African to win an Olympic medal when he settled for bronze in the 800m at the 1964 Tokyo Summer Games.
He made another breakthrough on the international stage after storming to 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.
Chumo was also part of the Team Kenya relay quartet to the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, where they placed fifth in the 4400 yards.
His teammates in the race included Peter Francis, Seraphino Antao and Kimaru Sonkok. Chumo’s nascent talent began to blossom during the East and Central African Championships where he won three 880-yard titles.