The Kenyan athletic community has been thrown into mourning after the gold medal winner in the short-distance races passed on. The renowned athlete died on Tuesday evening at his home.
Wilson Chuma Kiprugut, as revealed by a family member to WE TV said the athlete had been unwell for a long with old age-related illnesses. He died at the age of 84 years.
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.
His success then was a big deal to Kenya as it had not fully made a name unlike now where Kenya is dominating in most races.
His success and contribution saw the previous governor of Kericho county governor Paul Chepkwony propose the renovated green stadium be named after him.
Kericho county sports stakeholders have mourned the fallen hero.
"Kiprugut sealed a slot in the family 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,"
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