The local athletics fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Kenya's first ever Olympic medallist Wilson Kiprugut Chumo, who won a bronze at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Athletics Kenya, in a press release, said the legendary Kenyan sprints and middle-distance runner breathed his last in Kericho county on Tuesday evening after a long illness.
“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.
AK described Kiprugut 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 release read.
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 latter 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.
