Wilson Kiprugut, the first Olympian from Kenya, passed away at the age of 84, according to a statement from Athletics Kenya.
After a protracted illness, the legendary middle-distance runner passed away on Wednesday night in Kenya’s Kericho county. After taking home the bronze in the 800-meter sprint at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Kiprugut made his breakthrough on the world stage.
Later, in the same race at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, he won a silver medal.
He was described as “a very loveable and compassionate person who selflessly made the country proud on the global stage” by Athletics Kenya in a statement. At the 1965 Congo-Brazzaville first All-African Games, he won two gold medals in the 400 and 800 meters.
WILSON CHUMA KIPRUGUT –PASSES ON.
We are deeply saddened by the death of one of Kenya's pioneering athletes, Wilson Chuma Kiprugut. The renowned Kenyan middle-distance legend passed away in Kericho county on Tuesday evening after a long illness. He was 84 yrs old. pic.twitter.com/fRJmKHAhaa— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 2, 2022
