Daniel Rudisha, pioneer of Kenyan running, dies at 73

Athletics Kenya reports that Daniel Rudisha, silver medallist for Kenya in the 4x400m relay at the 1968 Olympics and father to two-time Olympic champion David Rudisha, died in Kenya yesterday at age 73. 

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one of pioneer Kenyan athlete, Daniel Rudisha. On behalf of the athletics fraternity, we would like to send our deepest condolences to Rudisha’s family and the people Kilgoris at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ubL9z0iXG1

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) March 7, 2019

RELATED: Two-time Olympic champ David Rudisha runs half a kilometre in sub-58 seconds

Rudisha has been called one of the pioneers of running in Kenya. His relay teammates in Mexico City were Hezekiah Nyamao, Charles Asati and Naftali Bon. Four years later, Asati and Nyamao were on the 4x400m relay team that won gold in Munich. 

Rudisha’s son David is the reigning Olympic champion in the 800m, after successfully defending his 2012 title. He has also won two world championships at the distance, and is the world record-holder (1:40.91, from his gold-medal performance at the 2012 Olympics in London, improving on his own record twice).

It is with deep sorrow and profound grief to announce the death of my father who passed on in nakuru after a short illness. He mentored me personally and many others. The gap left by him shall be felt and hard to fill. RIP dad. pic.twitter.com/WEGEDMS7BJ

— David Rudisha (@rudishadavid) March 7, 2019

The Daily Nation reported that Rudisha died of a heart attack. David Rudisha is quoted as saying “He is my hero and the man behind my athletics success.”