Kenya first olympic medalist, Wilson kiprugut dies at 84

The people and government of Kenya have mourned the passage of the country’s first olympic medalist, Wilson Kiprugut.

Kiprugut won a bronze medal in the 800m at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan and followed that up with a silver over the same distance in Mexico City four years later.

“It is a sad day for our sport. He was one of our greatest runners,” double Olympic and world 800m champion David Rudisha told BBC Sport Africa.

“Being the first Kenyan to win a medal in Olympic Games, and the race being 800m, is really a great inspiration. He made our country proud.”

Athletics Kenya described Kiprugut, who died in Kericho county on Wednesday after a long illness, as one of the country’s “pioneering athletes”.

“We will surely miss the presence of a truly loveable and kind person who selflessly made the country proud on the global stage,” a statement from Athletics Kenya added.

“Especially for those who want to run fast, breaking world record or attempting to break the world record. You have to get the calculations right.

“We feel very inspired by Wilson Kiprugut. He was one of Kenya’s special athletes.

The late athlet also made his mark at the first All-African Games in then Congo-Brazzaville in 1965 where he won two medals in the 400m and 800m.

The following year he picked up silver in the 880 yards race at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

The president of Kenya’s National Olympic Committee hailed Kiprugut as a “trailblazer”.

“He opened the way for our athletes and country to establish the rich tradition and status within the Olympic movement of Kenya’s athletic and sporting prowess,” Paul Tergat said.

Tergat further added: “As we celebrate this icon, we note with pride that his legacy is immortalized 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.”