Pioneer athlete Daniel Rudisha is dead.
The father to David Rudisha passed on aged 73 years on after the athletic fraternity had lost in few weeks ago, pioneer athlete Nyandika Maiyoro and John Mayaka .
Athletics Kenya was 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.
8 Interesting Facts About Late Daniel Rudisha
- Born 73 years ago in 1945, he was a specialist in athletics. The former sprint athlete who competed mainly in the 400 metres.
- His big breakthrough came in 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City in the 4 x 400 metre relay where he won a silver medal
- The father of David Rudisha, became a school teacher and coach after retiring from active sports.
- One of his best coaching products was Billy Konchellah, who won the 800 metres at the World Athletics Championships in 1987.
- His son David is the current Olympic Champion at 800 metres, having set a new world record in the final at London 2012 and defending his title in the 2016 Rio Games
- His key team-mates and close friends were Munyoro Nyamau, Naftali Bon and Charles Asati who were all present during the 1968 summer Olympics in Mexico
- He is also one of the first sportsmen who represented Kenya on the grounds of the game, even when it wan’t paying nicely
- He also competed for 400 metres at those Olympics, finishing a non-qualifying 6th in his heat
