Kenya‘s Disturbances List Three Dead Athletes
By Emeli Dean
Kenya had to depart sadly three prominent athletes in the past weeks. Two of the athletes were victim to the civil war-like disturbances which control the country since the presidential elections in December 27th. The former 400m-runner Lucas Sang was beaten up and burned on New Year’s Eve on his way home. He had just become just 45 years old. In 1988 the athlete was 27-year-old and he participated in the Summer Olympics in the South-Korean Capital Seoul. He was eliminated in the quarter final of the 400m sprint with a time of 45,72 seconds. With the Kenyan 4×400m relay team he came eighth place with a total time of 3:04,69 minutes.
After his retirement as an athlete, Sang became a successful farmer in Eldoret, but remained involved in sports until his untimely death. He was elected to become the chairman of athletics in the Rift Valley’s Usian District in 2000. Nearly all Kenyan athletes come from this province close to the Tanzanian border. Later on; Sang was additionally elected to become the treasurer of the National Association of Kenyan Olympics. His fellow Paul Ereng said sadly: “I have lost a brother in sports and Kenya has lost a patriot, a great athlete and a precious human being.”On January 21st Kenya had to list another victim. Wesley Ngetich was a marathon ace and wanted to travel to the United States two weeks previously to participate at the Arizona-Marathon. But it was impossible for him to fly out safely. The 34-year-old Kenyan lost his life during the conflicts close to his hometown Mara, in Rift Valley as well. According to some information he was hit by a poisoned arrow. After his career the triple father growed corn and beans and held seven cows. His biggest triumph were two victories at the “Grandma’s Marathon” in 2005 and 2007.Up to now the last casualty was middle distance runner Stephan Kipkorir; who won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics 1996 over 1500 meter (3:36,72). The 27-year-old died differently from the two murdered athletes Sang and Ngetich, it was a car accident in Rift Valley.
Next to the three athletes at least a thousand people died and there were several injured persons such as the 34-year-old marathon world champion Luke Kibet. First he was attacked in the middle of January he was hit by an aimed stone’s throw. His recovery took over three weeks. This week he was supposed to get attack again but due to his quick reaction he was able to avoid the worst.
The 67-year-old runner legend Kipchoge Keino, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), took precautions and requested protection from the security force. They put a gang of youth to rout when they tried to break into Keino’s house. Therefore; the Kenyan Athletics Association is worried about their Olympic Team for the Peking games. “We try to bring our athletes out of the cities. And then we send many of them abroad where they are save,” said Keino.
About the Author:
Emeli Dean is a high-ranking writer on sports for the football betting industry. You can also find more of his work at http: www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its whole on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.
Technorati Tags: Kenya, Lucas Sang, New Year’s Eve, Summer Olympics, Seoul, Paul Ereng, Wesley Ngetich, Arizona-Marathon, Mara, Stephan Kipkorir, Luke Kibet, International Olympic Committee, Peking
