World Record holder and two-time Olympic champion in the men 800 meters, David Rudisha is mourning the death of his father, Daniel Rudisha.
The former Olympic medalists died on Wednesday night at the age of 73.
According to SportPesa News who spoke to his two-time world champion son, Mr Rudisha succumbed to a heart attack having spent his his last few days in the hospital.
He has been suffering from diabetes for a long time.
Rudisha expressed: “Our beloved father sadly left us last night. He had recovered and was on his way to fine health having been taken off the Intensive Care Unit.
“He was talking well and joking as usual while undergoing his dialysis treatment but at around 11pm, he suffered a sudden heart attack and efforts to resuscitate him did not bear any fruit,” he added.
Daniel Rudisha competed for Kenya in the 1968 Olympics where he was part of the Kenyan quartet that won silver in the 4 by 400 meters relay final.
Daniel, won the 1968 silver medal with his teammates Munyoro Nyamau, Naftali Bon and Charles Asati in 2:59.6.
He also took part in the Mexico Summer Games, where he competed in the 400m finishing sixth in his heat.
He was born in Kilgoris, Rift Valley Province.
Read:David Rudisha Drops Out Of World Athletics Championships
Daniel later became a coach who trained many notable Kenyan athletes including Billy Konchellah, who won the 800meters at the World Athletics Championships in 1987.
Speaking on his demise, Sports CS Amb. Amina Mohammed stated: “It is with deep sadness that I’ve learnt of the passing of Kenya’s legendary sprinter Mzee Daniel Rudisha,1968 4x400m relay Olympic Silver Medalist.
“He played an instrumental role in pioneering Kenya’s success in short distance running, inspiring a new generation of champions,”she stated.
CS Amina further expressed that we [Kenyans] have lost a great sportsman and patriot.
“The entire The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage community wishes the family God’s comfort & strength during this trying moment,” she condoned with the family.
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