Athletics fraternity is mourning the death of pioneer athlete Daniel Rudisha. The Senior Rudisha’s death comes a week after another pioneer athlete Nyandika Maiyoro and John Mayaka passed on.
Rudisha alongside Hezekiah Nyamao, Charles Asati and the late Naftali Bon placed Kenya firmly on the global athletics map in 1968 when they struck silver in the 4x400 metres relay at the Mexico Olympic Games.
That firm foundation they laid, saw Asati and Nyamao team up with Robert Ouko and the late Julius Sang four years later in Munich to elevate the title to gold, Kenya’s and Africa’s only Olympic gold medal ever in the 4x400m relay.
Rudisha is among the first lot of athletes who represented the country, not for monetary gains but for the love of the game.
His love for athletics inspired one of his sons David Rudisha to take up athletics and he is currently the world 800m record holder and two-time Olympic champion.
He also inspired the Konchella brothers— Billy and the late Patrick to continue with the athletics legacy in Kilgoris with the former winning two 800m world titles.
Athletics Kenya were among the first to send a message of condolence to Rudisha’s family and the people of Kilgoris. “We mourn with you and celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable athlete who devoted his life to athletics. In a statement, AK said Rudisha will always be remembered as a legend and one the pioneer athlete who set the foundation for the current crop of athletes.