Kenya is today mourning the death of legendary runner Hezekhia Munyoro Nyamau who died after a long illness today.
Nyamau is one Kenyans finest track athletes in the long sprints that the country has ever produced after pioneering athletes competing on track, setting a precedence replicated to date by great men and women.
Born and raised in Kisii, supplied the country with an abundance of world beating athletes in both long and short distance track races who ruled the All African Games, Commonwealth games, World Championships and the Olympics.
Nyamau was a member or in the quartet who won the 1968 Mexico Olympics 4X400m Silver medal behind USA alongside Charles Asati, Nafthali Bon and David Rudisha.
He, alongside Charles Asati, Robert Ouko and Julius Sang took it a notch higher by stunning the world by outpacing the favourites to win the Gold medal during the 4x400m relay finals during the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
His home in Gusii highland had fed the Kenyan athletes track team in both long and short distance including the sprints starting with Nyantika Mayoros’ outstanding display by winning 3000m race in Madagascar during the Ocean games in 1953 followed by him reaching the finals of 5000m during the 1954 Commonwealth games, finals in the 1956 Olympics and finishing 6th during the 1960 Rome Olympics where he shattered the African record.
Commonwealth and All African Games.
Asati too won in 200m during the 1970 Commonwealth games.
When Filbert Bayi of Tanzania was about to claim much glory it was Dan Omwanza who stopped him in his track in the 800m and 1500m and later took charge.
Many of his compatriots later came to the scene that included the World 5000m Champion Wilfred Oanda Kironchi. A galaxy of good female runners too emerged like Hellen Obiri and Mary Moraa who too were world and Olympic Champions.
As curtains fall today on Hezekhia Munyoro Nyamau, who was one of the greatest athletes Kenya has produced many questions linger how the Sports authorities would come up with a package of assisting such legends in their miserable lives in retirement.
Other greats like Ben Jipcho and many other greats died miserably as family members appealed for medical assistance at their bedside.