Renowned Kenyan middle-distance legend Wilson Chuma Kiprugut has died.
Kiprugut is said to have died on Tuesday evening.
His death was announced by Athletics Kenya (AK) in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of Kenya’s pioneering athletes, Wilson Chuma Kiprugut,” AK said in the statement.
The Kenyan athletics body says the former middle-distance runner passed away in Kericho county after a long illness.
He was 84 years old at the time of his death.
Kiprugut made a breakthrough on the international stage after storming to the silver medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. He also stole the headlines with two gold medals in the 400 and 800 meters 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.
Further, 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 event included Peter Francis, Seraphino Antao, and Kimaru Sonkok.
The late legend’s budding talent began to blossom during the East and Central African Championships where he won three 880-yard titles.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and all Kenyan sports stakeholders. We will surely miss the presence of a truly loveable and kind person who selflessly made the country proud on the global stage,” noted the AK.
